The College of Psychiatrists in Ireland has published new guidance on the popular semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC, which calls on the Irish Government to consider adding HHC to the Misuse of Drugs Act, a move which would criminalise the personal possession of HHC for one’s own use.

Their document, published recently, raises the alarm on what are considered ‘different types of on intoxication’ from HHC when compared to cannabis – leading to cases of depression, paranoia and collapse in young people.

In their advice to policymakers, the College asks the Government to consider adding HHC to the 1977 Misuse of Drugs Act – a move which would effectively criminalise whole swathes of Irish society that possess HHC for personal use.

They call for the 2010 Psychoactive Substances Act to be better enforced, a move they believe would lead to ‘the removal of HHC from Irish shops’ by targeting ‘those who produce or sell HHC’.

The College recognises potential pitfalls of a standalone ban on HHC, stating that ‘shops could simply switch to importing and selling a similar but not yet banned drug’

They consider the ‘potential for regulation’ of HHC which would ‘govern its production, distribution, sale, and consumption’ but warn that there would have to be a ‘substantial number of new laws’ to achieve such an outcome.