Latest news with #HHC
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Psychiatrists call for ban of psychoactive substance that ‘has done major damage' to teens' mental health
In recent years, there are increasing concerns about the impact of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) on people's mental health, particularly among children and adolescents. What is HHC? HHC is a legally available, semi-synthetic cannabinoid. Chemically, it is like THIC, which is the main psychoactive substance found in cannabis that produces a 'high'. And where can you get it? As it is legal, it is actually quite widely available. It has been on the Irish market since 2022 and is available to purchase in shops and online. It comes in a number of forms, including vapes and edibles. Why are health professionals concerned? The HSE and the Irish College of Psychiatrists have raised concerns in recent years about the impact this has on people's mental health. This was confirmed in recent days after a new study by researchers in University Hospital Galway found HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period. Cannabis was used the most, the study found. [ Cannabis-like drug causing severe psychosis in young men, College of Psychiatrists warn Opens in new window ] What were the findings of the study? Research published in the BJPsych Bulletin examined medical records of patients admitted for psychotic illness into University Hospital Galway to assess the use HHC or other illicit drugs before admission. Of the 214 total admissions for psychotic illness between May 2023 and December 2024, 28 admissions (13.1 per cent) were preceded by use of HHC, nine of whom used only HHC. Sixteen (34 per cent) admissions of first-episode psychosis were preceded by HHC use, with seven of these people using only HHC. And were there cohorts of society more likely to use HHC? According to the study, HHC users were more likely to be male and range in age from 18 to 49 with a median age of 24. The researchers said psychosis associated with HHC appears 'to be more prominent in young people with early-phase psychosis', adding that it highlighted a need for policymakers to 'change legislation to avoid further harm'. So what do psychiatrists want to see happen? The Irish College of Psychiatrists said this research confirms their calls over the past year that the substance should be banned. 'HHC is a particularly harmful substance that, in just a few short years since its creation, has done major damage to the mental health of many people, and adolescents in particular,' the statement said. 'It beggars belief that HHC is still freely available around Ireland without any restrictions, given the overwhelming evidence of its harms. The legislative framework exists for the Government to ban HHC – it now needs to act urgently to do so before more people and their loved ones are negatively impacted.' [ Her 17-year-old daughter is under psychiatric care after becoming addicted to HHC vapes Opens in new window ] And is the HSE seeing this too? The HSE has previously said there has been a 'concerning' increase in the number of children and young people presenting to addiction services with mental health problems due to HHC. [ HHC vapes: 'It only took a few puffs to turn him completely zombie-like' Opens in new window ] What do vendors say? Luke Gavin, chief executive of Owls Oil, which sells HHC products, said the sector is 'pro-regulation' but does not agree with an outright ban on the substance. He said there is an 'opportunity' to enact appropriate regulations that assure of safety and ensure standards are followed. Mr Gavin said this comes down to being 'educated' about what's being consumed and why. 'I believe there's a reason we're here. Cannabis is not available and people are looking for a safer alternative to black market cannabis. That's why I believe HHC has exploded. People want to consume these products safely.'
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
'Beggars belief' HHC available without restrictions
Clip • 7 Mins • 18 JUL • Morning Ireland Professor Bobby Smyth, chair of the Addiction Faculty at the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, calls on the State to ban HHC products in vapes.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
'Beggars belief' that HHC products are available without restrictions
The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has said it "beggars belief" that products containing a man-made drug which produces similar effects to cannabis, and which they say has done major damage to people's mental health, are still available without restrictions in this country. The college issued its statement as a new study examining the use of the drug Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC, found it was the second most common drug involved in patients presenting with psychosis at University Hospital Galway between May 2023 and December 2024. The drug contained in some vapes and edibles, produces similar effects to the natural ingredient in cannabis - THC - which causes the drug's high. The products are available to buy for anyone over 18, despite ongoing calls for them to be banned. The study was published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It involved an examination of the medical notes of 214 admissions for psychotic illness to the Adult Acute Mental Health Unit at University Hospital Galway - over a period of 21 months from May 2023 to December 2024. The researchers found that 28 of the admissions were preceded by self-reported use of HHC. Nine of these admissions reported using only HHC while the others used other substances such as cannabis, cocaine and psychedelics. The study found that HHC users were more likely to be male and ranged in age from 18-49 with a median age of 24 - significantly younger than the median age of those who did not use HHC. HHC was the second most used illicit substance in the admissions, with cannabis being the most used. When the researchers examined those admitted for a first episode of psychosis, they found that out of 47 such individuals, 16 were preceded by HHC use. The researchers say that to their knowledge, this is the first study to examine the prevalence rates of HHC use in people experiencing acute psychotic disorders. The chief executive of a company that makes and sells Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC, a drug contained in some vapes and edibles, has said he believes there needs to be more regulation in Ireland around selling the substance. Luke Gavin, CEO and Founder of Owls Oil, said that in his opinion the issue comes back to education and that he believes some people may be taking "too much." He said that because of the lack of regulation here there are issues in relation to the supply chain and testing of the products. Researchers, meanwhile, say HHC is now the second most common drug involved in psychosis presentations. However, they say this aligns with previous data when other psychoactive substances were available legally in head shops. They acknowledge limitations in this survey and say it is likely that it underestimates the prevalence of HHC. This is because toxicology tests may give a false positive for THC, and a lack of awareness about the prevalence of HHC may mean patients were not directly asked about it. They also point out that when asked a question about illegal drug use, patients may not have mentioned HHC as it is not an illegal substance. They also point out that the study looks only at people experiencing severe or very acute psychotic episodes and not those who were managed as out patients. They do acknowledge that the results of this survey in one hospital may not apply generally. However, the researchers say the results lend further support to a link between HHC use and psychotic illness. The study raises concern about the ability of Irish legislation introduced in 2010 to regulate products sold in head shops, to prevent the sale of HHC products and the sale of future "novel psychoactive substances". They say the delay in banning HHC and its "longstanding, tolerated and ongoing sale", has already led to significant harm for a number of individuals and failure to react more quickly to the next new substances will likely cause future harm. Asked about the study, Mr Gavin said there was a "big issue" in Ireland because people were unsure how to consume it and they may take too much. Mr Gavin said "dosing was extremely important and he said he believed it was a better alternative to alcohol and that many people were using it to relax. In a statement, the College of Psychiatrists said HHC was a particularly harmful substance that had done major damage to the mental health of many people – adolescents in particular – in just a few years since its creation. It said it beggared belief that it was still freely available around Ireland without any restrictions, given the "overwhelming evidence" of its harms. The statement added that the legislative framework existed for the Government to ban it and it called on the Government to act urgently to do so "before more people and their loved ones were negatively impacted."
Hamilton Spectator
01-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
First Online Dispensary That Ships to All States Debuts
Austin, TX, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Area 52 today launches its nationwide fulfillment service, solidifying its position as the first online dispensary that ships to all states. This is a groundbreaking development for cannabis consumers, particularly in states with limited recreational access, providing a safe, federally legal, and reliable way to buy weed online and secure direct-to-home weed delivery. (click photo to check customer reviews) A Legal Cannabis Solution for Texas, Florida, and North Carolina Residents in states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina have historically faced a significant challenge: a strong demand for cannabis with no state-level legal framework for recreational sales. Area 52 directly solves this problem. As the leading online dispensary that ships to all states, we provide a crucial access point for quality THC products. Our platform now serves as the go-to online dispensary for customers in Florida seeking compliant cannabis. For residents throughout Texas, from Dallas to Houston, our weed delivery service offers a discreet and legal alternative. Likewise, any adult in North Carolina looking to legally buy weed online can now do so with confidence through our verified system. How Nationwide Weed Delivery is Possible: Farm Bill Compliance The ability for Area 52 to function as an online dispensary that ships to all states is based on strict adherence to the 2018 Farm Bill. This federal law legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Every product we offer meets this standard, making it federally legal to ship across state lines. This allows us to offer legal weed delivery of potent and effective products like Delta-8 THC, HHC, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids. Key Features of the Area 52 Online Dispensary: Area 52 is now the definitive answer for millions of Americans asking where they can buy weed online safely and legally. Our commitment to compliance, transparency, and accessibility makes us the most trusted online dispensary for nationwide service. To browse the full product catalog and experience the convenience of the leading online dispensary that ships to all states, visit – or click here to read customer reviews .
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First Online Dispensary That Ships to All States Debuts
Austin, TX, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Area 52 today launches its nationwide fulfillment service, solidifying its position as the first online dispensary that ships to all states. This is a groundbreaking development for cannabis consumers, particularly in states with limited recreational access, providing a safe, federally legal, and reliable way to buy weed online and secure direct-to-home weed delivery. (click photo to check customer reviews)A Legal Cannabis Solution for Texas, Florida, and North Carolina Residents in states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina have historically faced a significant challenge: a strong demand for cannabis with no state-level legal framework for recreational sales. Area 52 directly solves this problem. As the leading online dispensary that ships to all states, we provide a crucial access point for quality THC products. Our platform now serves as the go-to online dispensary for customers in Florida seeking compliant cannabis. For residents throughout Texas, from Dallas to Houston, our weed delivery service offers a discreet and legal alternative. Likewise, any adult in North Carolina looking to legally buy weed online can now do so with confidence through our verified system. How Nationwide Weed Delivery is Possible: Farm Bill Compliance The ability for Area 52 to function as an online dispensary that ships to all states is based on strict adherence to the 2018 Farm Bill. This federal law legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Every product we offer meets this standard, making it federally legal to ship across state lines. This allows us to offer legal weed delivery of potent and effective products like Delta-8 THC, HHC, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids. Key Features of the Area 52 Online Dispensary: Nationwide Access: We are a true online dispensary that ships to all states, ending the search for consumers in markets like Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. Verified Quality & Safety: Every customer who wants to buy weed online can view third-party Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product, ensuring purity and legal compliance. Discreet and Fast Shipping: We provide professional, private weed delivery to your doorstep. Your order is handled with the utmost discretion from checkout to arrival. Area 52 is now the definitive answer for millions of Americans asking where they can buy weed online safely and legally. Our commitment to compliance, transparency, and accessibility makes us the most trusted online dispensary for nationwide service. To browse the full product catalog and experience the convenience of the leading online dispensary that ships to all states, visit – or .CONTACT: Area 52 3172 N Rainbow Blvd #22136 Las Vegas, NV 89108Sign in to access your portfolio
