Leitrim councillor glad to be 'part of the solution' for legal high ban

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been designated an illegal drug by the Government as of Tuesday, July 29.

The importation, exportation, production, possession, sale, and distribution of products containing the substance is now prohibited.

HHC products have become increasingly prevalent in Irish markets since 2022, sold in vape form as well as in gummies. They have been available for purchase in numerous vape shops across the country.

The announcement of the ban has been welcomed by Cllr James Gilmartin, who just last month introduced a motion to Leitrim County Council, urging the Council to write to the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, to seek clarification on the legislation governing the sale of these products, citing concerns for the health of young people who are using the drug.

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At the meeting, he expressed his “particular concern” for the wellbeing of young people and vulnerable individuals in communities, observing that the products were frequently marketed as a ‘legal high,’ but were “neither harmless nor adequately regulated.”

“I’m delighted to hear that Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the Minister for Health, along with some other Ministers have called for the ban on this substance along with 13 other semi-synthetic opiates,” Cllr Gilmartin said.

“I’m not saying it was entirely down to my persuasion but I’m glad to have been part of the solution,” he added.

He described the decision as a genuinely positive development, in that it not only prohibits one drug but also encourages public health and deters young people from engaging with the substance at an early age.

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“This took a bit of work, nonetheless, it’s great to see what can be done with positive efforts from the community,” he said.

The Department of Health noted in a statement that a recent study by researchers at University Hospital Galway (UHG) found that HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period.