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To: Dáil Éireann, Government of Ireland, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, TD
Ban HHC in Ireland
Subject: Urgent Call to Ban HHC – Protect Our Children Before It’s Too Late
Dear Members of the Irish Government, Dáil Éireann, An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste, and Media Representatives,
I write to you today not just as a citizen, but as a devastated parent—a parent whose family has been shattered by the insidious grip of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). This is a plea, a warning, and an urgent demand for immediate action. Our children’s lives are at stake.
HHC: A Silent Epidemic Destroying Irish Youth
HHC, a dangerous synthetic cannabinoid, is being sold openly in vape shops across Ireland, masquerading as a “legal alternative” to cannabis. But this is not a harmless product—it is a highly addictive, unregulated, and deeply destructive drug.
Young people across Ireland are using HHC, unaware that it can cause:
• Severe anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis
• Long-term cognitive impairment and addiction
• Depression and suicidal ideation
• Physical health risks, including rapid heart rate and seizures
And yet, while other European countries have taken swift action to protect their citizens, Ireland has done nothing.
Europe is Acting—Why is Ireland Ignoring the Danger?
• France has classified HHC as a narcotic, making it illegal.
• Austria and Denmark have banned it outright.
• Germany and Switzerland have imposed strict controls on synthetic cannabinoids.
Ireland is lagging behind, leaving our children exposed to an unregulated substance that is already destroying lives.
A Family in Crisis – A Nation in Danger
I speak from personal experience. My 17-year-old daughter’s life has been nearly ruined by HHC. She purchased HHC vapes and tobacco from local vape shops freely, without question, using her own bank card. We have the proof.
When we turned to the Gardaí for help, we were met with indifference:
“She is 17, and it’s a legal substance.”
Legal? At what cost? My daughter is now battling addiction and struggling with severe mental health issues. She is under the care of a psychiatrist and psychologist, and the weight of this battle has forced her to leave school. Our family is living a nightmare. But we are not alone. This is happening in homes and schools across Ireland. Vape shops are profiting off the destruction of our children’s futures.
Enough is Enough – The Time to Act is NOW
I may not have been born in Ireland, but this country is my home, and I love it as my own. That is why I refuse to stay silent. I refuse to let more children fall victim to this silent epidemic.
I demand immediate action.
I Urge You to:
1. Ban HHC in Ireland. No loopholes, no delays. Follow the lead of other European nations and put public health before profit.
2. Regulate vape shops rigorously. Mandatory age verification, severe penalties for selling to minors, and strict oversight are essential.
3. Launch a nationwide awareness campaign. Parents, teachers, and teenagers must understand the true dangers of HHC before more lives are destroyed.
This is not just a policy issue—it is a moral imperative.
If we fail to act now, we will have blood on our hands—the blood of young people who were abandoned by a system that refused to protect them.
For the sake of our children, I implore you: ban HHC now.
To protect my daughter’s identity, I must remain anonymous, but I am willing to share my story confidentially with those who can bring about change.
Do not wait until more lives are lost. Act now.
Yours sincerely,
A Heartbroken Irish Parent and Citizen
Why is this important?
Raising awareness about the dangers of HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) and advocating for its ban in Ireland is crucial for several reasons:
1. Health Risks and Unknown Long-Term Effects
• Lack of research: HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid with limited scientific studies on its long-term effects.
• Potential side effects: Users report anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, and hallucinations.
• Respiratory issues: Since it is often vaped or smoked, it may cause lung damage similar to other synthetic cannabinoids.
2. Risk to Young People and Vulnerable Groups
• Easily accessible: Sold online and in shops, often marketed as a “legal high,” attracting teenagers and young adults.
• Gateway drug: Can lead to stronger substance use or addiction to synthetic cannabinoids.
• Mental health impact: Increased risk of psychosis, depression, and anxiety disorders.
3. Legal Grey Area and Lack of Regulation
• Loopholes in the law: Since HHC is not explicitly banned in many places, it is sold freely without proper safety regulations.
• No quality control: Many products are contaminated with unknown chemicals, synthetic additives, or harmful substances.
• Misleading marketing: Sellers often claim HHC is “natural” or “safe,” which is false and misleading.
4. Public Safety Concerns
• Driving under the influence: HHC impairs coordination and reaction time, increasing the risk of car accidents.
• Workplace risks: Employees using HHC may have reduced focus, slower reflexes, and impaired decision-making, endangering themselves and others.
5. Call to Action: Ban HHC in Ireland
• Close legal loopholes: The Irish government must act before HHC becomes widespread, as seen with previous synthetic drugs.
• Protect public health: Implement strict regulations or a full ban to prevent harm, especially to young people.
• Increase education and awareness: Schools, parents, and communities need to be informed about the real dangers of HHC.
Conclusion
HHC poses serious health and safety risks, especially given its unregulated status. Taking action now—through legislation, public awareness, and stronger enforcement—is critical to prevent addiction, protect vulnerable individuals, and safeguard public health in Ireland.