by Louise Doyle

GARDAÍ in Donegal are warning people of changes to the law regarding a drug that had been sold in shops and online as vape pens, edibles and oils.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a semi synthetic cannabinoid. It is now categorised as a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977.

This means that the importation, exportation, production, possession, sale and/or supply of any products containing HHC is now illegal and against the law.

It was being sold in shops and online as vape pens, edibles and oils. It may have effects similar to cannabis and can be harmful, especially for young people.

The drug has been banned by the government over youth mental health concerns.

In a statement, the Department of Health said: “The semi-synthetic cannabinoid has similar effects to cannabis and has been commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, in herbal mixtures, oils, edible jellies and cakes and as tinctures.

“Since it was first detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation.”

A recent study by researchers in University Hospital Galway (UHG) found that HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period.”

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the sale of HHC as vapes, in attractive packaging, or in edible jelly form, is a marketing ploy aimed at young people, which, she said, “masks the fact that the drug is harmful for youth mental health and can be addictive”.

She said: “Our priority is to advance measures that enable us to protect and support the health of our population.”

Gardaí are warning that anyone found in possession of HHC faces the risk of prosecution.

“If you have HHC products currently in stock in your business or in your own personal possession you should immediately contact us at your local Garda Station so that we can arrange for us to take in these now illegal products.

“HHC and similar products are now subject to the same laws as cannabis and other drugs.”