1499. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is aware of the presence of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid, HHC or hexahydrocannabinol, in Ireland; if so, when the HSE was first made aware of its presence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56526/23]

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. The strategy supports high quality monitoring, evaluation, and research to ensure evidence-informed policies and practice.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was first identified in Europe in May 2022 and was put under intensive monitoring at the end of 2022 by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). It is the first semi-synthetic cannabinoid reported in the EU and has been monitored as a New Psychoactive Substance by the EU Early Warning System since October 2022.

Early warning in Ireland is co-ordinated by the EMCDDA National Focal Point and the Early Warning, Emerging Trends (EWET) working group chaired by the Department of Health. EWET continues to monitor the emergence and use of this substance in Ireland.

HHC has been reported as a drug of concern by HSE and adolescent service providers. There is growing concern on the potential impact of using this substance on young people’s mental health including the possible link with psychosis. Young people report adverse effects such as loss of consciousness after use.

The HSE will add content about HHC to its website Drugs.ie. Evidence in relation to harms associated with HHC will be carefully monitored and appropriate responses will be considered. The HSE will continue to liaise with the EMCDDA, and the Early Warning and Emerging Trends (EWET) group for further direction on this substance. This is an area currently being monitored by the HSE and the EU Drug Agency as there is limited information on the health impact of this substance.

With regard to synthetic cannabinoids, the HSE has comprehensive harm reduction information about the substances available on drugs.ie, which is available here: https://www.drugs.ie/synthetic_cannabinoids_in_ireland_hse_update_october_2021/. The HSE also issued an alert regarding cannabis edibles contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids earlier this year, which can be found here: https://www.drugs.ie/drugtypes/drug/cannabis_edible_products.

It is vitally important that we remain vigilant to new developments and emerging trends with regard to substance use.