A local councillor has called on the decriminalisation of cannabis in the wake of the banning of HHC here.
Sinn Fein councillor Stiofan Conaty says with cannabis being illegal here, it has driven people to the black market and has made criminals out of decent hardworking people.
Cllr Conaty's calls come as concerns are being raised about the number of young people accessing treatment due to a synthetic cannabis. 169 young people sought treatment for problems associated with HHC, which is contained in some vapes and edibles.
Synthetic cannabinoid HHC has been classified as an illegal drug by the Government. This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale and supply of products containing the man-made substance is banned.
HHC, as well as 13 other substances, has now been categorised as a Schedule 1 controlled drug Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
The semi-synthetic cannabinoid has similar effects to cannabis and has been commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, in herbal mixtures, oils, and edible jellies. Cllr Conaty said following the banning of HHC, a new cannabinoid called THCA has been brought to the market. He says the underlying issue for the demand on cannabinoid's is being brought about due to the demand for real cannabis.
