Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a substance that’s rapidly gaining popularity across Ireland and Europe. A semi-synthetic cannabinoid with effects similar to THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, HHC has emerged as a popular alternative. But what do we actually know about it?
While HHC has been around since the 1940s, it’s only recently flooded the market. This begs the question: why now? One factor is while many countries strive towards a legally regulated cannabis market, in countries where it remains illegal, HHC and alternative cannabinoids are seen as a legal loophole. Its legality in Ireland is a complex issue. While possession isn’t explicitly outlawed, it could potentially fall under the blanket ban of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2010. Despite this, HHC products are openly sold in shops and online, leaving consumers in a legal grey area.
This lack of clarity around legality has concerning consequences: the illusion of safety. Consumers may perceive products sold in shops as regulated and safe, leading to a false sense of security. However, the truth is far from it. HHC is produced in a lab through a chemical process, and there’s little to no regulation around its production or sale. This raises serious concerns about the potential presence of harmful substances. HHC production is largely unregulated. The chemical process to create HHC, hydrogenation, can involve catalysts that may leave toxic metals in the final product. With no guarantee of purity or consistency, consumers are unknowingly exposing themselves to unknown risks.
Furthermore, the long-term effects of HHC are largely unknown. While recent studies suggest no inherent concerns for cardiac safety, the overall impact on the body remains unclear. With limited research and a lack of rigorous testing, consumers are essentially guinea pigs. While we see news articles that aim to scare the public, It’s crucial to emphasise that scare tactics aren’t the answer. Instead, we need to adopt a harm-reduction approach. To achieve this, we must first understand the extent of HHC use in Ireland.
A survey accompanying this article aims to shed light on HHC use in Ireland. By gathering data on consumer experiences and perceptions, we can better understand the scale of the issue and develop targeted interventions.
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