Petition to Protect the Legal Status of HHC in Ireland To: The Irish Government, Department of Health, and Relevant Regulatory Authorities We, the undersigned, urge the Irish government to keep Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) legal in Ireland for the following reasons: 1. Consumer Safety & Harm Reduction Regulation is safer than prohibition. A legal market ensures products are lab-tested, labeled correctly, and free from harmful substances. A ban would push HHC underground, increasing risks for consumers. HHC is a safer alternative to illegal substances. Compared to black-market THC products, regulated HHC provides consumers with a controlled, reliable, and transparent option. Lab-tested products prevent contamination. Keeping HHC legal allows authorities to enforce quality standards, preventing synthetic additives, pesticides, or toxic solvents from entering the market. 2. Economic Benefits HHC supports Irish businesses and job creation. The industry provides employment for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. Loss of tax revenue. If HHC is banned, the government will miss out on tax revenues that could be used for public services, addiction support programs, and healthcare. Consumers will seek alternatives elsewhere. A ban won’t stop demand—it will only drive people to import from unregulated foreign sources or turn to illegal markets. 3. Scientific & Health Considerations No evidence of significant harm. Unlike synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., Spice), HHC is naturally derived and does not pose the same health risks. Comparable to CBD in moderation. Many users report similar relaxation effects to CBD, with less psychoactive intensity than THC. Helps with anxiety, pain relief, and sleep disorders. Many consumers use HHC for medical and wellness purposes, as a legal alternative to pharmaceutical drugs with more severe side effects. Legal access reduces THC use. HHC provides a middle-ground option for those who do not want the stronger effects of illegal cannabis but still seek mild relaxation benefits. 4. Legal & Ethical Arguments Prohibition doesn’t work. History has shown that banning substances only increases black-market activity, rather than preventing use. Inconsistent with other legal substances. Alcohol and tobacco, both far more harmful, remain legal. It is unfair and hypocritical to criminalize HHC when far more dangerous substances are available on every street. Personal freedom and choice. Adults should have the right to make informed decisions about what they consume, as long as it does not harm others. 5. International Context HHC is legal in many European countries. Ireland should align with progressive policies in countries where HHC is permitted under proper regulation. A ban would place Ireland behind global cannabis reform. Countries worldwide are shifting towards legalization, decriminalization, and harm reduction models. Ireland should not fall behind. 6. Preventing a Black Market A ban will create criminal opportunities. If legal access is removed, illicit producers will fill the demand with unregulated, potentially dangerous alternatives. HHC is already safely integrated into the market. Many businesses and consumers rely on legal, lab-tested sources—why dismantle a safe system? Consumer tracking & regulation is easier in a legal market. Authorities can monitor sales, ensure compliance, and protect public safety better when HHC remains legal. Our Request: We, the undersigned, respectfully ask the Irish government to: 1. Keep HHC legal and regulate it instead of banning it. 2. Introduce responsible regulation, such as age restrictions (18+), lab-testing requirements, and packaging standards. 3. Engage with industry experts and consumers before making any policy changes. 4. Recognize the benefits of a legal, controlled market rather than forcing consumers into unsafe, unregulated alternatives. We stand for responsible, informed, and science-backed decisions that prioritize public health, economic growth, and consumer choice. Sign below to protect the future of legal HHC in Ireland.