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Health Systems and Policy Monitor (HSPM)
An innovative platform that provides a detailed description of health systems and provides up-to-date information on reforms and changes that are particularly policy relevant.
For detailed information on country policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2021, see our separate COVID-19 Health Systems Response Monitor (HSRM).
Updates
Ministers for Health announce that HHC is now classified as an illegal drug
29 July 2025 | Country Update
A Declaration Order made by the Government of Ireland on 29 July 2025 classified HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) and another 13 substances as Schedule 1 controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that has been reported as having similar effects to cannabis. Risks include mild to severe poisoning, which can result in the need for hospital treatment. First detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, herbal mixtures or oils, or edible jellies and cakes. A recent study at Galway University listed it as the second most common drug used by patients presenting to the hospital with psychosis. It is currently a controlled drug in 22 of 27 EU Member States, and the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence recommended it for international control in November 2024.
Country
References
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/campaigns/hhc-hexahydrovannabinol
Ministers for Health announce that HHC is now classified as an illegal drug https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/ministers-for-health-announce-that-hhc-is-now-classified-as-an-illegal-drug
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