The high-risk cannabinoids were found in vape products sold in shops and on the illicit market here (Stock image)

HSE detects high-risk cannabinoids in vape products

by · RTE.ie

The HSE has said it has identified high-risk cannabinoids in vapes, vape 'juice' and other products, like edibles, sold in shops and on the illicit market in Ireland.

The identification is part of the HSE Drugs Early Warning System, through its National Drug Treatment Centre Laboratory in Dublin.

Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made products, created to mimic the effects of cannabis.

Doctors say these substances have been linked to serious physical and mental health harms, including loss of consciousness, severe intoxication, and cases of psychosis across different counties.

So far this year, the HSE laboratory said it has analysed 76 vapes, or vape juices.

It found that 28 contained hexahydrocannabinol, or related semi-synthetic cannabinoid compounds, while eight contained potent synthetic cannabinoids, and 10 had acetate containing a compound linked to lung disease.

Also, 12 contained cannabis, or related compounds, and 41 contained cannabidiol.