The Medicines Agency prohibits the sale and consumption of HHC, a synthetic derivative of cannabis, now classified as a narcotic

The Minister of Health, François Braun, had pointed to a “hole in the racket” a month ago.

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Illustration of HHC, this synthetic cannabis molecule, hitherto freely available in CBD shops, May 24, 2023. (JOSSELIN CLAIR / MAXPPP)

HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol), a synthetic derivative of cannabis, was classified Monday June 12 as a narcotic by the Medicines Agency (ANSM), announces the Minister of Health François Braun on Twitter. A month ago on franceinfo, he had pointed a “hole in the racket” To “fill up quickly”, believing that the sale of HHC should be banned within a few weeks. This will be the case from Tuesday, specifies the ANSM. “As of tomorrow, the consumption and sale of HHC will be prohibited. My ministry is mobilized to protect the health of French people and fight against addictions”writes the minister on Twitter.

This decision follows work which showed that, in the long term, HHC “presents a risk of abuse and dependence equivalent to that of cannabis”, underlined the ANSM in a press release. Two of the HHC derivatives, HHCO and HHCP, are also affected by the ban. In the form of oil, resin, smoking grass, spray or confectionery, the consumption of HHC or its derivatives also exposes you to short-term risks such as: “shaking, vomiting, anxiety, ‘bad trip’, mental confusion, malaise, tachycardia, chest pain, hypertension”lists the ANSM.

“Obviously it is a product that causes strong addiction, it is a derivative of cannabis, significant psychotropic effects”, underlined the Minister of Health on franceinfo on May 15. In Europe as in the United States, it is increasingly marketed on the internet or in physical stores. Some countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark and the UK) have recently banned it.


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