Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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98. To ask the Minister for Health the actions her Department has taken to investigate the incidence and health impact of hexahydrocannabinol, a synthetic cannabinoid which is widely available for purchase in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10125/25]

Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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121. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to recommend the regulation and restriction of hexahydrocannabinol, a synthetic cannabinoid which is widely available for purchase in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10126/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 121 together.

As Minister for Health, I am very aware of concerns raised in relation to the use of the synthetic cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) that are being used by people for recreational purposes.

Department officials have been in regular contact with the HSE Addiction Services in relation to the negative effects on users of the use of HHC. The collection of evidence of this kind is an important step in the controlling of a new substance under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.

HHC has been reported as a drug of concern by the HSE and adolescent service providers. HHC can also be found in vaping products. 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 have reported adverse effects such as loss of consciousness after use.

I am informed that Departmental officials, together with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel have drafted legislation to add HHC to the list of Schedule 1 controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs legislative framework. Schedule 1 controlled drugs are subject to the strictest of control measures and both the possession and/or sale and supply of a Scheduled 1 controlled drug is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. It is expected that this legislation will be brought to Government shortly.