A growing public health concern has emerged in Ireland as the College of Psychiatrists sounds the alarm over the increasing use of a cannabis-like drug, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). This synthetic cannabinoid, available in products like vapes and edibles, is linked to severe psychosis, particularly among young men, and has been flagged as a key factor in adolescent addiction services.
What is HHC?
HHC is a chemical cousin of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. First identified in Europe in 2022, HHC has become widely available in Ireland, often sold legally in shops.
It is promoted as a safer or milder alternative to cannabis, a claim that experts are now questioning in light of its effects. Products containing HHC, such as jellies and vape liquids, have rapidly gained popularity, particularly among younger individuals.
Severe Mental Health Impacts
Despite its legal status, HHC is causing alarming mental health issues. According to the College of Psychiatrists, HHC has led to severe psychotic episodes in young men, requiring extensive inpatient treatment.
Prof Colin O’Gara, an addiction psychiatrist, noted that the initial perception of HHC as a harmless drug is proving to be dangerously misguided. He and his colleagues have treated multiple cases of young men who developed psychosis after using HHC, with some requiring months of treatment to recover.
Growing Concerns Among Experts
HHC is now being cited as a significant factor in around 20% of presentations to adolescent addiction services in Ireland, often in combination with cannabis use. The College of Psychiatrists has expressed deep concern over the rapid rise in cases, calling for urgent government action.
Prof Bobby Smyth, an addiction specialist, compared the current situation to the damage caused by "head shops" in the past, which sold dangerous, yet legal substances.
- Approximately 20% of addiction cases in young people involve HHC.
- HHC is often marketed as a less potent alternative to cannabis, which experts dispute.
- Many of those affected experience severe mental health consequences, including psychosis.
Call for Legislative Action
In light of these developments, the College of Psychiatrists is urging the Irish Government to add HHC to the list of prohibited substances under the 2010 legislation used to close head shops. They are also calling for an awareness campaign targeting young adults, schools, and the general public about the potential dangers of HHC.
The college's recommendation highlights the importance of ensuring that new synthetic drugs are not viewed as safe just because they are sold legally. As Prof Smyth cautioned, just because a product is marketed in fancy packaging doesn’t mean it is safe for human use.
What is HHC (hexahydrocannabinol)?
Personal Perspective
What makes HHC alarming is its legal status, which may give young people a false sense of security. It reminds me of the synthetic drugs sold in head shops years ago, where legality and safety were mistakenly conflated.
The rapid rise of addiction cases linked to HHC, particularly among vulnerable young men, underlines the urgent need for tighter regulation. In my view, awareness and prevention efforts must go hand in hand with policy changes to ensure public safety.
