A new research study conducted by University of Galway shows a clear link between consumption of HHC and the onset of psychosis.
The research looked at 214 patients that were admitted for psychosis to the Adult Acute Mental Health Unit, University Hospital Galway (AAMHU), over a 21-month period (May 2023 to December 2024) and found that a large percentage of those had taken the semi-synthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).
The findings highlight high prevalence of HHC use among individuals admitted with psychotic symptoms, particularly first-episode psychosis cases (over a third). HHC is now the second most common drug involved in psychosis presentations. The results show that rates of such admissions have stayed relatively stable over the recorded 21-month period.
Read the full study here.
Statement from the College
This research confirms what the College of Psychiatrists have been saying for the last year: HHC is a particularly harmful substance that, in just a few short years since its creation, has done major damage to the mental health of many people, and adolescents in particular. It beggars belief that HHC is still freely available around Ireland without any restrictions, given the overwhelming evidence of its harms. The legislative framework exists for the Government to ban HHC – it now needs to act urgently to do so before more people and their loved ones are negatively impacted.
Media
- One of the co-authors of the study, College member and addictions specialist Dr Bobby Smyth was on RTÉ Morning Ireland speaking about the need for a government ban on HHC. Listen here. (Interview starts at 8:22am).
- RTÉ covered the story as an article on their website here.
- The Irish Times also ran a story here.