The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products ( ANSM ) recently described HHC , a cannabis derivative, as a “synthetic drug with a risk of addiction”. In a context of ever more lively debates concerning the legalization and regulation of cannabis and its derivatives, this announcement risks causing a stir.
The HHC in question
HHC, or Hexahydrocannabinol, is a chemical substance derived from cannabis. Due to its molecular structure, it is able to reproduce some of the effects of THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. However, unlike THC, HHC has so far escaped regulation due to its status as a synthesized compound rather than naturally occurring in the cannabis plant.
HHC has gained popularity as an alternative product for those looking to obtain the effects of cannabis without breaking the law. However, the ANSM now warns that this substance could present a risk of addiction.
Coercive measures in sight
The ANSM promised “very coercive measures” in response to this assessment, although no precise details were given as to the nature of these measures. A final decision should be made “in the next few days”.
This announcement immediately raised concerns among HHC users and producers. Some fear these measures will have a detrimental effect on France's burgeoning HHC industry, which has already been hit by stricter regulation of cannabis-derived products.
A still lively debate
The ANSM statement comes in a context of intensified debate on the legalization of cannabis and its derivatives. Some argue for stricter regulation to protect public health, while others say legalization and regulation could help control product quality and reduce the black market.
In this context, the ANSM announcement raises questions about how France chooses to regulate cannabis derivatives and the impact this could have on the industry and users.
While awaiting the final decision from the ANSM, the future of HHC in France remains uncertain. The next few days will be decisive for the HHC industry and for those who use this product as a replacement for cannabis.