1474. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to synthetic cannabinoids use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13710/23]

Hildegarde Naughton Minister of State at the Department of Health

The National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025, sets out a health-led approach to drug use. It promotes a more compassionate and humane approach to people who use drugs, with drug use treated first and foremost as a public health issue. The Programme for Government endorses this health-led approach.

The Department of Health and HSE monitor and review the emergence of new and emerging drug trends including synthetic cannabinoids nationally with relevant stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána, Forensic Science Ireland, the National Poisons Information Centre and local hospitals.

Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals produced to mimic the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, which will produce more potent effects. Synthetic cannabinoids greatly increase the risks of a drug emergency occurring as they produce more intense adverse effects. Their use has caused many serious poisonings, mass poisonings and deaths internationally in recent years. By 31st December 2021, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) was monitoring 224 of these substances which have appeared on the EU drug market since 2008, including 15 that were notified in 2021.

There has been increased concern throughout Europe including Ireland regarding the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids contained within products sold as cannabis or THC edibles and a number of warnings have been issued to raise awareness among the general public, including warnings from the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland. The HSE has previously expressed concern in relation to the risk of synthetic cannabinoids appearing in herbal (plant material), vape liquid/oil, edible and other THC products in Ireland through their website Drugs.ie and affiliated social media channels. On-going social media posts and ads are issued to remind the public of this current risk.

In January 2023, the HSE issued a drug trend risk communication regarding products sold as cannabis jellies which had been adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids, a link to which can be found here. Further information is available on Drugs.ie, and the public are encouraged to follow HSE social media channels for updates on the latest drug trends.

For concerned parents, the HSE has created a detailed practical advice guide to help parents communicate with their children about alcohol and other drugs, which can be found here. A factsheet specific to cannabis edibles is also available for parents here.

The HSE also recently launched a webinar series in March 2023 to support parents on the topic of drugs and more information is available at drugs.ie/parents. Information on drug trends and how to reduce harms is available for people who use drugs on Drugs.ie. This content is kept up to date in line with potential drug market shifts.

People who use cannabis are reminded of the risk of synthetic cannabinoid exposure and are encouraged not to be afraid or hesitate to get medical help if someone has an unexpected reaction or becomes physically or mentally unwell following use.

We cannot be complacent about the risk to health posed by illicit drugs. It is always safer not to use drugs and all drug use has risks. I am committed to a public health approach to drug use, that will lead to better outcomes for individuals and society.