Growing health threat from unregulated synthetic products, say local FG politicians 

Senator Gareth Scahill and Fine Gael Councillors Valerie Duffy and Ruth Conboy have called for greater public awareness and stronger regulation of synthetic cannabinoid products being sold in vape form following serious concerns raised by the HSE and highlighted in recent national media reports.

The Roscommon Fine Gael representatives said there is an urgent need to distinguish between nicotine vaping and a potentially much more dangerous market involving unregulated synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids.

Recent testing by the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Laboratory found high-risk cannabinoids in vapes and vape liquids obtained from shops and the illicit market. 

Of 76 products analysed this year, 28 contained HHC or related semi-synthetic cannabinoids, eight contained potent synthetic cannabinoids, and ten contained acetate compounds, which can be associated with lung disease.

The HSE has warned of serious effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids, including severe intoxication, loss of consciousness, withdrawal, and psychosis.

Senator Scahill said the findings should be a wake-up call for parents and the government.

“There is a legitimate public health threat here and I don't believe enough people are aware of it," he said. "When parents hear the word ‘vape’, they understandably think about nicotine. What the HSE is now finding can be something considerably more dangerous.

“Products can be labelled as CBD or another cannabinoid while containing HHC or potent synthetic cannabinoids. You simply cannot assume that what is written on the packaging is what is actually inside.” 

Senator Scahill said his biggest concern is the exposure of children and teenagers to these substances.

“We have spent years trying to prevent another generation becoming addicted to nicotine. We now have an emerging market where young people can potentially be introduced to powerful psychoactive substances through something as familiar as a vape. We don't yet fully understand the long-term consequences of many of these newer synthetic cannabinoids. That should concern every parent.” 

Cllr Valerie Duffy, who is a member of the HSE West Regional Health Forum, said the issue needs to be addressed locally as well as nationally.

“We intend to raise this within Roscommon County Council and examine what additional regulatory powers could be provided to local authorities. We need to look at where these shops operate, how products are displayed and promoted, and what powers councils have when legitimate concerns arise.” 

Cllr Ruth Conboy said the appearance and accessibility of the products are also concerning.

“These products don't necessarily look dangerous. The packaging, flavours, and presentation can make vaping appear harmless, particularly to teenagers. When potentially dangerous synthetic substances enter that environment, the risk becomes considerably greater.” “Parents need to know that a cannabinoid vape may not necessarily contain what the label says it does. Awareness has to be part of our response while Government and enforcement agencies tackle the supply.” 

Senator Scahill stressed that legitimate nicotine vape retailers should not automatically be associated with the illegal trade.

“There are legitimate retailers operating within the law and this should not become an accusation against every vape shop. Our concern is that an unregulated synthetic market appears to be developing alongside the legitimate market, and we need to identify and shut down rogue operators.” Work is already under way nationally to strengthen regulation of nicotine vaping, including measures aimed at protecting children and young people and a licensing regime for retailers.

However, Senator Scahill said regulation needs to keep pace with the changing synthetic market.

“Regulating nicotine vapes is important, but legislation cannot be chasing yesterday's problem. Synthetic drug manufacturers can alter compounds and introduce new products very quickly. Our legislation and enforcement need to be capable of responding just as quickly.” 

Senator Scahill, Cllr Duffy and Cllr Conboy said they will seek further information on the scale of inspections and enforcement nationally while examining what additional powers could be available to local authorities.

“The message to young people and parents is simple: just because something is being sold in colourful packaging, looks like an ordinary vape or can be bought over a counter does not mean it is safe," Senator Scahill said. "We need to get that message out before this problem becomes even more deeply embedded.”