The government will temporarily ban the sale of products with HHC. Despite the warnings of experts

the production of products with cannabinol HHC and several other substances should be banned in the Czech Republic within about a month. On Wednesday, the government agreed to include HHC and some other substances on the list of prohibited substances. She should approve the regulations on this next week. The Cabinet made the decision after adults and children recently ended up in hospitals after ingesting HHC products. The association of addictologists and the national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil (ODS) warned against the ban. On the contrary, the government's people demanded it. It was jointly proposed to the Cabinet on Wednesday by the Ministers of Agriculture Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) and Ministers of Health Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09). According to them, the ban should be temporary until the adoption of an amendment regulating sales.

Hexahydrocannabinol HHC comes from hemp, it can be produced synthetically. It has stimulating effects. However, in a larger dose, it can cause anxiety, dizziness and other problems. The sale is legal. Electronic cigarette refills, jellies, scented items, solutions, flowers and other goods are available. Products with HHC are not listed as food. According to Výborný and Válk, there is no other way to prevent health effects than including them on the list of prohibited substances. The ministers also argued that 12 countries have banned the substance in Europe. They mentioned France, for example. Výborný said that after all the procedures, the ban could come into effect in the Czech Republic within about a month.

According to Vobořil, the ideal solution would be an accelerated discussion of the amendment on addictive substances with the regulation of psychomodulating substances, which should also include cannabinol HHC. Before the ban, the anti-drug coordinator warned. He pointed, among other things, to the experience from France. He said that on the local market, banned substances have been replaced by other derivatives with a stronger effect. It is feared that less risky substances banned in the Czech Republic will quickly displace more dangerous derivatives. The Association of Addiction Care Providers (APAS), which works with addicts, also pointed out in a press release the ineffectiveness of prohibition and the proliferation of more dangerous substances.

The amendment with the regulation of psychomodulating substances was presented last year at the beginning of August by a group of deputies from all parties except the SPD. The Lower Chamber sent the draft for further discussion at the end of September. According to Vobořil, it would be ideal if the legislators approved the law as soon as possible. Válek said that the amendment should be discussed by the House Health Committee next week. The ministers claim that its adoption may take months, and the introduction of the list of psychomodulating substances may take years.

Experts on drug issues rate psychomodulating substances as less risky, but recommend establishing clear rules for control and sale. According to the proposal, this would only be possible with service in special shops. Children and young people under the age of 18 would not be able to buy the products. Advertising would be prohibited.

Being on the banned substance list also means that possession of HHC will be a criminal offence. Vobořil and other experts point to possible impacts. As an example, they mention prison sentences of several years for marijuana. Products with HHC will also have to be disposed of.

Traders and distributors tried to avoid the ban. Even before the government's statement, the group of sellers decided to withdraw edible products with HHC from their sales points by the end of the week. Sellers' representative Vojtěch Ulman told ČTK that sellers are aware of the risk. But they are convinced that a ban could push HHC products onto the black market and create demand for more dangerous derivatives.

The Ministry of Health wanted to include HHC and other substances on the list of prohibited substances as early as last July, but the government did not agree to it then. Instead of the ban, an amendment was created.

Read More