High-Risk Synthetic Cannabinoids Found in Vapes and Other Products Sold in Ireland

The HSE Emerging Drug Trends Laboratory has found high-risk cannabinoids in vapes, vape juice and edible products sold in shops and on the illicit market in Ireland, with links to serious physical and mental health harms.

As part of the HSE Drugs Early Warning System, the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Laboratory has identified high-risk cannabinoids in vapes, vape juice and other products such as edibles sold in shops and the illicit market in Ireland. The HSE says these substances have been linked to serious physical and mental health harms, including losing consciousness, severe intoxication, withdrawal and cases of psychosis across different counties.

A total of 76 vapes and vape juice from shops and the illicit market have been analysed to date in 2026. Of these, 28 contained HHC or related compounds (semi-synthetic cannabinoids), 8 contained potent synthetic cannabinoids, 10 contained acetate-containing compounds that can be linked to lung disease, 12 contained cannabis or related compounds, and 41 contained CBD.

The lab results show that products could be mislabelled as CBD or other cannabinoids but actually contain HHC or synthetic cannabinoids.

Prof Eamon Keenan, HSE Clinical Lead for Addiction Services:

"We are concerned that high-risk cannabinoids are being sold through shops and the black market across Ireland. We are particularly concerned about the effects on young people who buy vapes and edibles and are not aware that they are exposed to these harmful substances. In general, young people are especially vulnerable as their brains are still developing. Substance use during adolescence increases risks for their long-term mental health and we are aware of young people experiencing psychosis after using these products. Parents and guardians have a crucial role in delivering prevention to help protect young people by staying connected, setting expectations and creating opportunities for ongoing conversations that can help young people make informed and healthier decisions."

Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Manager:

"Semi- synthetic cannabinoids are new to the EU market, and there is little evidence available on their short-term and long-term health effects. In addition, our lab has identified potent synthetic cannabinoids often known as 'spice' in products sold in these shops and in products sold as THC on the illicit market. They are much more potent than traditional cannabis, and products vary widely in content, posing a serious risk. A product can be labelled as Cannabidiol (CBD) but could contain Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) or novel synthetic cannabinoids, and you cannot know what you are actually taking."

The HSE Emerging Trends Laboratory continues to play a central role in testing substances of concern to monitor the drug landscape in Ireland for public health and harm reduction purposes. The HSE is working with communities and stakeholders from the National Alert and Response Group (NRPAG), including An Garda Síochána, to monitor the issue nationally for early warning purposes.

The HSE says it is always safest not to take drugs, noting that synthetic cannabinoids can look like CBD or cannabis but cause more harmful effects. It warns that a cannabis vape, liquid or edible bought from a dealer could contain more potent and risky contents, and that people cannot trust the contents of cannabinoids bought in shops, as products labelled as CBD may contain other cannabinoids, including synthetic cannabinoids. The HSE advises people to consider whether there is extra risk for them if they use, such as health conditions or how they feel. It notes that cannabinoids impact the developing brain, and advises delaying use for as long as possible. It recommends being with people you trust and looking out for each other, and not using alone, and advises avoiding mixing synthetic cannabinoids with alcohol or other drugs, including anti-depressant medication. The HSE says people should know what to do in case of a drug emergency: if you or a friend feels unwell, call 999 or 112, tell the paramedic what was taken and give them the product. Anyone concerned about a cannabinoid product can contact drugs.ie@hse.ie.

The HSE Safer Nightlife Programme will return to Electric Picnic and District X this year, providing back-of-house drug checking and harm reduction outreach. Information gathered through the programme helps identify emerging drug trends and supports the delivery of timely public health information and alerts.

Anyone concerned about a young person's substance use can access information and support through drugs.ie, the Parents Matter resources at drugs.ie/parents, and local health services. The Alcohol and Drugs Freephone helpline can be reached on 1800 459 459, Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm, or by email at helpline@hse.ie.

Background

Synthetic cannabinoids are made in a lab to mimic the effects of cannabis but have far more potent effects. 'Spice' is a common name for synthetic cannabinoids. They are a large family of drugs that continue to evolve, and are potent substances that increase the risk of medical emergencies. The HSE says synthetic cannabinoids can cause dizziness, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), breathing problems, chest pain, increased heart rate and blood pressure, tremors or seizures (fits), hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there), kidney problems, serotonin syndrome and other medical emergencies. The HSE issued an alert on the risk of synthetic cannabinoids being sold in edible products in 2022 following a number of hospitalisations.

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids are derived from the cannabis plant but altered so that they end up being chemicals that do not occur naturally. They are mostly produced from cannabidiol (CBD) to produce a range of new cannabinoids, and are new to the EU and Irish drug market, with limited available information on their health effects. The HSE says it can't guarantee the contents or health risks associated with the range of products sold in shops. Ireland controlled HHC and several related substances in July 2025 under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and the HSE warns there is a continued risk that HHC is mis-sold as other products.