Latest news with #UniversityHospitalGalway
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC reclassified as an illegal drug
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which has been commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, has been classified as an illegal drug by the Government. This means the import, export, production, possession, sale and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that has similar effects to cannabis and has been 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. READ MORE A recent study by researchers at University Hospital Galway found HHC was the second-most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period. It is one of 14 new substances, including synthetic opioids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, that have been newly classified as controlled drugs. This follows their identification by the EU and by the UN Commission for Narcotic Drugs as posing a serious risk to public health. The addition of these substances to the Schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Acts gives added powers of enforcement to An Garda Síochána combating the trade in illicit drugs. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the sale of HHC as vapes, in attractive packaging or in edible form, is 'a marketing ploy aimed at young people, which masks the fact that this drug is harmful for youth mental health and can be addictive. 'Under the successor national drugs strategy, I'm committed to reviewing legal avenues to respond faster and more effectively to emerging threats from the volatile drugs market,' she said. 'In line with our health-led approach to drug use, our priority is to advance measures that enable us to protect and support the health of our population.' Minister of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor described HHC as 'a grave threat to public health'. 'Controlling HHC and other harmful substances is an important step, that must be complemented by education and prevention programmes so that young people and parents are better informed about the risks associated with drug use,' she said. Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler said: 'Measures like this are essential to easing the pressure on our mental health services and protecting individuals, especially those unaware of the risks, from avoidable and significant harm.'
Irish Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Funeral details announced for 'kind, caring and gentle' teen killed in crash
A teenage girl who tragically passed away in hospital from injuries sustained in a road traffic crash in Co Galway will be laid to rest this weekend. The two-car collision occurred at Ballygaddy Road in Tuam at approximately 6.05pm on Sunday (July 13). Samantha Gannon, 19, was driving one of the vehicles and was rushed to University Hospital Galway (UHG) with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, she passed away in hospital on Wednesday. The driver and passenger in the second vehicle, a man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s, were also taken to UHG for non-life-threatening injuries. Samantha's family have confirmed that the tragic teenager will be will be laid to rest alongside her grandfather Paddy on Sunday. Samantha will lie in repose at Glynn's Funeral Home on High Street, Tuam, from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday afternoon, followed by removal to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, where her funeral will be held at 3pm on Sunday. Samantha Gannon sadly passed away Following the funeral service, Samantha will be laid to rest with her beloved grandfather Paddy Gannon in Abbeyknockmoy Cemetery. Tributes continue to pour in for the popular young woman, who was training to be a nurse at Atlantic Technological University in Galway. While studying for her nursing degree, Samantha worked at Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam, with her colleagues writing in a message shared online: "Gone too soon but never forgotten. We honour the memory of our beloved colleague Samantha whose presence brought comfort and care to many. You had a gently soul and caring heart. We will miss you deeply. Sincere condolences to Bridie, Frank, and all of Samantha's family and friends. May she rest in peace." A family friend said: "So so sorry Frank and Bridie & Alex, Chloe, Megan, To Nanny Mary and all Samantha's cousins, Uncles and Aunties, and Friends on your huge loss, Samantha's beautiful smile and warm personality will be missed but fondly remembered. May Samantha rest in peace." While a classmate's of Samantha's at ATU said: "Rest in peace Samantha. You were the kindest soul, so gentle and a friendly smiling face always around college. My deepest condolences to your family. You left a beautiful memory in everyone's lives that were privileged enough to meet you. Sleep tight sweetheart, you'll never be forgotten." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Gardaí are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the collision to come forward. Anybody who was in the Ballygaddy Road area between 5.50pm and 6.15pm and who may have witnessed the incident should contact investigating gardaí. Any road users who were travelling in this vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí. Gardaí can be contacted at the Tuam garda station on 093 70840, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here.
Irish Times
18-07-2025
- 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.'
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Hope you get the best bed in heaven'- tearful tributes for teen killed in crash
The teenage driver who sadly passed away in hospital following a road traffic collision in Galway has been named locally - as tributes pour in for the young girl. Samantha Gannon, 19, suffered serious injuries on Ballygaddy Road when her car was involved in a two-vehicle collision at approximately 6:05pm on Sunday, July 13. Tragically, she passed away in hospital on Wednesday. The driver and passenger in the second vehicle, a man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s, were also taken to University Hospital Galway for non-life-threatening injuries. One girl who was close to Samantha told GalwayBeo the teenager had 'such a big heart' and was "so full of life". "We are deeply devastated and heartbroken,' she said. 'Samantha you were full of life, you had such a big heart and we are all going to miss you so so much. 'Hope you get the best bed in heaven, please watch over your family and friends. Fly high angel you are going to be sorely missed by everyone. Forever young, forever 19." A general view of Galway University Hospital Other friends of Samantha have taken to social media to share their love for the teenager following her tragic passing. One school friend penned: "A mortal sin had her whole life ahead of her, only 19. Many good memories in secondary school with her. Rest in peace, Samantha Gannon, may you get the best bed in heaven forever 19." A second wrote: "Awful news, so so sad. Heartbreaking for her family. Her whole life ahead of her. May her gentle soul R.I.P," while a third person posted: "Rest in Peace gorgeous." Gardai are appealing for witnesses. Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses following the collision. A Garda spokesperson said: "Any persons who were in the Ballygaddy Road area between 5:50pm and 6:15pm and who may have witnessed the incident should contact investigating Gardaí. "Any road users who were travelling in this vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. "Gardaí can be contacted at the Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here.
Irish Times
16-07-2025
- Irish Times
Teenager dies following road traffic collision in Co Galway last weekend
A woman in her late teens has died following a road traffic collision in Co Galway last weekend. The incident involved two cars, one of which she was driving. Following the collision at Ballygaddy Road in Tuam, shortly after 6pm on Sunday, the woman was taken to University Hospital Galway , where she has since died. The driver and passenger of the second car, a man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the same hospital. READ MORE A technical examination of the scene has been carried out. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place on Ballygaddy Road in Tuam last Sunday at approximately 6.05pm. People in the area at 5.50pm-6.15pm are asked to contact gardaí. Drivers who were in the vicinity at the time of the incident and may have camera or dash-cam footage of the collision are asked to make that footage available to investigators. Gardaí can be reached at the Tuam Garda station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or at any Garda station. Investigations are ongoing.
