Vapes with Cannabinoids Linked to Psychosis in Teens: What Parents Need to Know
Dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, especially hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), are increasingly found in vape shops and are linked to serious mental health issues in young people. Professor Bobby Smyth, a leading child and adolescent psychiatrist, reports that around 20-25% of cases he sees involve HHC. This substance now makes up 5%-10% of youth addiction presentations, a significant rise from zero just 18 months ago.
The issues related to HHC first appeared in youth addiction services about 14 months ago. Since then, cases have risen sharply across the country. Prof Smyth warns that many young individuals, some as young as 13, experience psychotic episodes due to HHC use. He points out that since these products are sold in stores, people assume they are safe or regulated, which is misleading.
He stresses the need for immediate action to remove HHC from shops, arguing that the existing protective laws are not being enforced. The Psychoactive Substances Act of 2010 successfully banned many synthetic drugs, but the current situation shows gaps in regulation and enforcement.
Mick Finn, a former lord mayor and youth services manager, raises alarms about young people admitted to hospitals with severe psychotic effects after using HHC vapes. He notes that symptoms include paranoia, anxiety, and mood swings. Finn calls for strict regulations on HHC, especially to protect minors.
What are the health risks associated with using synthetic cannabinoids like HHC among youth?
Title: The Rising Dangers of HHC: An In-Depth Interview with Professor Bobby Smyth
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: [Insert Location]
Interviewer: [Insert Interviewer Name]
In a concerning trend affecting young people across the country, synthetic cannabinoids like hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) are increasingly appearing in vape shops, linked to alarming mental health crises. To unpack this urgent issue, we spoke with Professor Bobby Smyth, a leading child and adolescent psychiatrist renowned for his work in youth addiction treatment.
Interviewer: Professor Smyth, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us more about HHC and its impact on the young people you see in your practise?
Professor Smyth: Thank you for having me. HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid that we’ve only recently started to see in significant numbers within youth addiction services—about 14 months ago, to be precise. Now, it’s estimated that HHC accounts for roughly 20-25% of the cases I assess. This is alarming considering that six months ago, it represented only 5% to 10% of youth addiction presentations—a sharp rise from zero just 18 months back.
Interviewer: What are some of the symptoms or effects you’ve observed in young individuals using HHC?
Professor Smyth: The symptoms can be quite severe. We are encountering increasing instances of psychotic episodes in our youth, some as young as 13 years old. These episodes often manifest as paranoia, anxiety, and extreme mood swings. Unfortunately, many believe these products are safe since they’re readily available in stores. However, this assumption is dangerously misleading.
Interviewer: What do you believe is the main issue with the regulatory framework around substances like HHC?
Professor Smyth: The Psychoactive Substances Act of 2010 was effective in banning numerous synthetic drugs, but there are glaring gaps in both regulation and enforcement when it comes to newer compounds like HHC. We need immediate action to remove HHC from shops, as existing protective laws are not being properly enforced.
Interviewer: Mick Finn, a former lord mayor and youth services manager, has raised alarms about young individuals being admitted to hospitals due to severe psychotic effects from HHC vapes. Can you discuss that aspect?
Professor Smyth: Yes, Mick’s concerns are valid. We are witnessing an increase in emergency room visits linked to HHC ingestion, particularly with young users who are experiencing serious psychotic symptoms. The fact that HHC products can contain unpredictable and dangerous substances not listed on labels exacerbates the situation, posing a high risk for our youth.
Interviewer: The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction highlighted HHC as a drug of concern back in May 2022. How does this relate to the current context in Ireland?
Professor Smyth: HHC mimics THC, the primary component in cannabis, but often yields far stronger effects. The HSE is rightly concerned about its availability and the repercussions it has on our youth. It’s crucial that we address this issue comprehensively—prioritizing preventive measures and tightening regulations to protect minors.
Interviewer: What steps do you think should be taken immediately to mitigate the risks associated with HHC?
Professor Smyth: First and foremost, we need to advocate for stronger regulations on HHC, especially pertaining to its sale in shops. There should be more coordinated efforts between health services, law enforcement, and policymakers to ensure enforcement of existing laws and to close the regulatory gaps. Our young people deserve protection from substances that can lead to such grave mental health issues.
Interviewer: Thank you for your valuable insights, Professor Smyth. Your expertise is crucial as we navigate this escalating public health concern.
Professor Smyth: Thank you for shedding light on this pressing issue.
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End of Interview
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Prof Eamon Keenan from the HSE’s addiction services echoes these concerns, warning that current HHC products can contain dangerous substances not listed on their packaging. He highlights the high risk of emergencies arising from more potent synthetic cannabinoids.
HHC was identified as a drug of concern by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction in May 2022. It poses significant risks as it mimics THC, the main component in cannabis, but often with stronger effects. The HSE is concerned about the availability of HHC in Ireland and its impact on the youth.