Harm reduction information for cannabis edible products

Update January 2023: HSE issue risk communication on the adulteration of cannabis jellies with synthetic cannabinoids

The HSE advise the public that there is a high level of risk associated with THC edibles currently being sold on the drug market in Ireland, as they may not contain THC but instead contain a synthetic cannabinoid.For people who use cannabis, we remind them of the current risk of synthetic cannabinoid exposure and encourage people not to be afraid or hesitate to get medical help if someone has an unexpected reaction or becomes physically or mentally unwell following use.

About cannabis edibles

Cannabis can be taken in different ways by smoking, eating or drinking in herbal tea. It can also come as oils or as concentrates such as 'shatter'.

Cannabis ‘edibles’ are food products infused with cannabis. Edibles come in many forms—including cakes, sweets, ’gummy bears’, 'cannabis gummies' chocolates and lozenges. They have many different names that include 'Space cakes', 'Gummies', 'THC sweets' 'Edibles', 'THC Lean'. Learn more about edibles here.

It’s safer not to use at all and you can never be fully sure how you will react to substances.

If you choose to use edibles see below advice to reduce the harms.

Think about the ‘set’ and ‘setting’: think about how you’re feeling in regards to your mental health and where you are using
Avoid using if you are feeling low, anxious, depressed or have mental health concerns
Use in a safe setting with people you trust
Think about your tolerance to the substance and how much you plan to take, especially if you don’t regularly use cannabis.
You can’t be sure of the dose labelled on the products
For some people, the effects of edible cannabis can be more intense/potent than inhaling a similar dose of cannabis. This is due to how the liver processes THC when eaten compared to smoking cannabis.
You may not know the strain of cannabis in the product or how it was prepared
Start low and go slow – it could be easy to take too much without knowing. Don’t immediately consume the full product
Avoid taking more ‘re-dosing’ – the effects can take some time to kick in, over 2 hours in some cases. Wait until you feel the effects to gauge how you are feeling
Don’t use with other substances
The effects can last much longer than smoking, in some cases up to 12 hours
Don’t drive after consuming
Store products safely to avoid unintentional consumption
Don't be afraid to get medical help if you or a friend become unwell or feel suicidal after using

Although taking too much may not be fatal, it can cause paranoia, anxiety, vomiting, nausea, delusions or hallucinations which can frightening or lead to accidental injury.

Harm reduction information for cannabis edible products

About cannabis edibles

Get more information in our cannabis edible factsheet here