No regulation and no large-scale testing: The HSE's drug lab is worried about what's in your vape
The HSE warns of unregulated vapes and edibles containing harmful synthetic cannabinoids, posing risks especially to teenagers, and calls for better regulation and testing.Summary
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has expressed serious concerns over the lack of regulation and large-scale testing of vapes and edibles in Ireland, which are found to contain highly addictive synthetic cannabinoids. Scientists at the Emerging Drug Trends laboratory in Dublin have discovered these substances in both CBD and nicotine products, which have been tampered with. These synthetic cannabinoids mimic cannabis effects but are more potent and dangerous, leading to severe health issues like psychosis, lung damage, and seizures. Currently, the lab can only test small samples from specific sources, and a significant budget is needed for systematic testing. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) does not regulate these products, as they are not classified as food. The HSE recommends forming a group with stakeholders to address regulation, while parents are urged to educate themselves and their children about the risks. Notably, HHC, a banned semisynthetic cannabinoid, was found in 28 out of 76 tested vapes, and acetate was present in 13% of samples, often combined with harmful cannabinoids.
(Source：Thejournal)
