Keena welcomes Government ban on use of "illegal drug"

A Government ban on the possession, sale and supply of products containing cannabinoid HHC or hexahydrocannabinol has been welcomed by a local Councillor.

Cllr Frankie Keena said that the Government's decision to classify the substance "as an illegal drug" was a positive "after its dangers were highlighted by the HSE and others".

According to the Councillor, HHC use has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation.

"A recent study by researchers in University Hospital Galway found that HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period," Cllr Keena said.

The Councillor stated that he had raised a motion previously at a Municipal District meeting looking for this product to be banned.

"During that meeting I showed the members and council executive a packet of these HHC jelly sweets and pointed out to them their dangers and the attractive way that they are being marketed to young people.

"Subsequently, the council corresponded to the Minister for Health on the matter.

"I would like to sincerely thank Jim Henson and the Athlone Drug Awareness Group for also raising this matter and lobbying to have this product banned," Cllr Keena concluded.