Within a few weeks, we can expect a ban on legal hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in France. The French Minister of Health, Francois Braun, made that claim.
Why is HHC the case in France?
HHC is a semi-synthetic substance, available as a “legal joint” in smoking shops and health food stores. Its effects are similar to those of marijuana and include feelings of pleasure and anxiety. HHC belongs to the family of synthetic cannabinoids. These are products that are sometimes more potent than THC that can cause serious somatic cardiac effects and even panic attacks. Usually, these new synthetic cannabis products are classified automatically as not legal without having to wait for them to hit the market. This was not the case with HHC, on which the drug agency will have to make a quick decision.
The increasing accessibility of HHC has raised concerns among health authorities in Europe and the US, leading to requests for regulation. There is an exemption from law that allows the sale of HHC. This substance does not exist on the list of narcotics by the government. The Health Minister, however, described this situation as a “hole in the racket” that needs to be fixed right now.
What can we expect?
The drug agency (ANSM) in France has been informed of the Minister’s decision to ban HHC. Scientists have known about chemical for a while, but its sudden growth in popularity caused health authorities to take action. HHC is being pushed more and more in stores and online, which has led to worries that it could seriously endanger public health.
The ban of HHC in France is a component of a larger effort to regulate the sale and use of synthetic medicines, which have become more and more popular in recent years. Many people praise the health minister’s action because they perceive it as a crucial step in protecting the public’s health. Others, on the other hand, believe that banning HHC will just drive sales underground and up the stakes.