HHC and changes to the law

Since 29th July 2025, Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and a number of other drugs have been classed as illegal drugs.

HHC is a new drug known as a semi synthetic cannabinoid. It was sold in shops and online as vape pens, edibles and oils. It may have effects similar to cannabis and can be harmful, especially for young people.

If you are a person who uses drugs or a parent of a young person who uses drugs, it is important that you are informed on how this can impact you.

Find information from the Department of Health about this here.

If you are using HCC - Get non-judgmental and free supports

If you’re using HHC or other drugs, you might be finding this time difficult. It may also be a worrying time if you are a guardian of a young person who uses these drugs.

The HSE offers free, confidential support to help you navigate this.

HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline

Freephone the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5:30pm) or email helpline@hse.ie.Our team can offer a confidential, safe space to discuss your use, health and offer information and support.

Find a local service

Free services are available in each community to support people who use, young people and families. Services can vary and have different approaches. You can call in advance to see what they provide and find which type of service suits your needs. You can search services in your area on Drugs.ie/services

Health concerns

If you are concerned for your physical and mental health, it is important to talk to your GP and be honest about your concerns

Drug emergencies

It is always safer not to use drugs and each person can have a different experience with substances. These can be based on personal factors such as your physical and mental health.
Medics are your mates. If you feel unwell physically or mentally after using drugs, do not be afraid to get medical help, your wellbeing is the main priority. In cases of medical emergency or if you feel thoughts of suicide, call 112 or 999.

Support for parents

Talking to a young person about drugs and changes to the law

Young people may be aware of HHC products, which were available in high street shops and online in Ireland for a number of years. It is now illegal to sell, buy or supply HHC and related substances.

It is important that young people understand this move and how it might impact them in terms of possession or supply. HHC and similar products are now subject to the same laws as cannabis and other drugs.

There could be new and emerging health risks if young people order HHC from other countries or if they source from the black market. This is an area we will monitor to identify if new harms start to emerge in Ireland.

A guardian’s role in drug prevention and education

Adolescence is a period when young people come into contact with new ideas and behaviours. It is a time to “try out” adult roles and responsibilities. The desire to take on more independence may see young people seeking to explore what they or their peer group view as more ‘grown up’, interesting or new ideas, which could include substance use.
It is important to recognise that the young person’s brain is still growing from the ages of 12 until their mid-20s. Using alcohol or drugs during this time can damage the growing brain. It can cause long-term emotional problems. It can cause difficulties with learning, planning and memory.

Substance use (or other behaviours) of peers, as well as rejection by peers, can be important influences on the behaviour of young people. However, the influence of parents still remains very significant – parents matter! Research shows that young people view their parents as credible sources of information and are influenced by parental beliefs and behaviours. By parents initiating drug awareness discussions, it means they can create an understanding.

HHC – get the facts

HHC is a new drug known as a semi synthetic cannabinoid. HHC first emerged in Europe in 2021 and there are limited studies on the short and long-term health effects. It is derived from CBD and thought to have similar effects to cannabis. It has caused health concerns among young people in Ireland leading to mental health effects and dependency. While the evidence is still emerging on the short and long term effects of HHC, two Irish studies have documented concern for the impact it can have on mental health, imcluding a recent study by researchers in University Hospital Galway which found that HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period.

Find out more information about HHC here.

Tips for discussing HHC

Here’s some tips on how to open the conversation:

Choose the right time to talk
Ask questions and listen carefully
Share accurate information about the risks
Set clear expectations from a place of care
Start the discussion: Try opening with a phrase like: “I saw something in the paper about young people. I wanted to talk about it with you to see if you know anything about it…” and take it from there.
Use active listening: When a parent listens actively, this can encourage your child to talk and express their feelings. Get more advice on this approach from the HSE resource ‘Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide’.

What should my child know?

The basic facts about substances
Why they should avoid them - especially as their bodies and brains are still developing,
Ways to avoid harm
Ways to enjoy themselves, and
How to cope with life’s ups and downs without using substances.

Raise your concerns about HHC products as well as other substances. Avoid focusing on one drug. Ask them what substances they are aware of that young people might use, if any. Be mindful that HHC may not be an issue for your child. Other substances like alcohol or other cannabis products or ecstasy could be more well-known.

Open the conversation with the HSE’s 'Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide'.This booklet is aimed at parents, guardians and others who care for children. It can help you to understand the risks related to alcohol and drug use in teenagers. It gives you practical advice on how to tackle issues that may arise. Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide Practical advice to help you communicate with your child about alcohol and other drugs

Other resources for parents can be found online here

Find local help

Are you concerned about your child’s regular use of HHC or cannabis products?

If your child is using cannabis or any drug regularly you can book an appointment for your child at an adolescent drug and alcohol treatment service. These services exist across Ireland and parents can generally make the referral themselves by contacting the service directly. You can also contact your local or regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (DATF) for further guidance.