Ireland Bans HHC as Illegal Drug; Urgent Vigilance Needed Now

UPDATE: Ireland has officially classified hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) as an illegal drug, a critical decision made by the Cabinet on October 24, 2023. This urgent move comes amid rising concerns over the substance’s widespread availability and its severe health impacts, particularly among young people.

The ban prohibits the import, export, production, possession, sale, or supply of HHC products, empowering law enforcement, including Gardaí, to take immediate action. Addiction experts and youth advocates are calling for heightened vigilance and swift government responses to emerging drug trends.

Mick Finn, the former Lord Mayor of Cork and current youth services manager with the Cork Education and Training Board, emphasized the need for strict enforcement. He stated, “The big challenge will be enforcement, to ensure that certain shops can’t stock these products anymore.” Finn has long advocated for tighter controls on HHC, stressing its alarming impact on youth.

HHC, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, mimics the effects of cannabis and is typically found in vape pens, herbal mixtures, and edibles. Since its detection in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked to numerous health crises, including incidents in schools. Notably, in late 2023, four teenagers were hospitalized in North Cork after using HHC, part of over 20 similar incidents reported across the country.

An investigation by the Irish Examiner revealed shocking accessibility of HHC products, even to children. One disturbing case involved a 12-year-old in Clonakilty, West Cork, who experienced severe memory loss after vaping HHC. Mental health experts warn that HHC can precipitate severe psychosis, with young men suffering from its effects requiring extensive inpatient treatment.

Consultant psychiatrist Colin O’Gara cautioned about the devastating consequences HHC poses to young individuals’ mental health. He noted that the substance had become the second most common drug among patients presenting with psychosis at University Hospital Galway over a 21-month span.

The classification of HHC as a controlled substance comes alongside the restriction of 14 other substances, including synthetic opioids, identified by the EU and the UN Commission for Narcotic Drugs as posing serious public health risks. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill spearheaded the initiative, aiming to enhance public safety.

While the ban is a significant step forward, addiction counsellor Michael Guerin warned that the trade may quickly move underground. “It is a positive development because there has been nothing heretofore,” he remarked. “Now, it’s up to the authorities to enforce the legislation.”

As Ireland moves forward with this ban, experts insist that the government and relevant agencies must remain vigilant. The success of this initiative will hinge on effective enforcement and the ability to adapt swiftly to new drug trends that could emerge in response to the ban on HHC.

Next Steps: Authorities are expected to ramp up monitoring and enforcement efforts while public health officials continue to address the ongoing challenges posed by illicit drug use among youth. The urgency of this situation warrants immediate attention from all stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.