Ban on ‘fake weed’ urged
‘EXPLOSION’ IN YOUTHS’ ADDICTION
THE Government must ban the distribution and sale of semisynthetic cannabis following an ‘explosion’ in young people seeking help from addiction, it has been claimed.
According to the College of Psychiatrists, the man-made drug HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) plays a part in approximately 20 per cent of all adolescents who present themselves looking for help.
HHC produces similar effects to THC, a natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that causes the drug’s high.
Risks
It is currently available in vapes and edibles in Ireland but is not subject to any legal restrictions as it is currently not classified as a controlled substance.
The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (CPsychI) published a guide on HHC yesterday, outlining its risks, effects and what needs to be done to address its use among the public.
It is calling on the Government to urgently include HHC as well as any other semi-synthetic cannabinoid on the list of prohibited substances for manufacture, distribution and sale.
It also wants to see legal prosecution of businesses and retailers found producing, distributing or selling any version of HHC and other semi-synthetic cannabinoids.
The CPsychI is also looking for the Government to raise awareness of the potential dangers and harms of HHC and where they can be found.
Specialist Consultant Child & Adolescent Addiction Psychiatrist and Chair, Prof Bobby Smyth, said more and more youngsters are presenting themselves looking for help: “The explosion in HHCrelated addiction presentations among adolescents has been extraordinary over such a short period of time,” he said.
“HHC was only identified in Europe for the first time two years ago — today we estimate that HHC now features as a component part in about 20 per cent of all presentations to adolescent addiction services in Ireland, very often in combination with cannabis itself.”
Damage
And Dr Smyth compared the legality of HHC with that of head shops roughly 15 years ago. He added: “In the short time that they bypassed the law, the products sold in head shops caused a huge amount of damage, primarily to young people.
“We are seeing a similar trend now with HHC.
“The Government’s job is simple, it must enforce the laws we currently have as sale of psychoactive drugs such as HHC and similar compounds is prohibited under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010.”