These synthetic compounds have spread worldwide, with the emergence of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in the US market in 2021, followed by its appearance in Europe in 2022, starting with Denmark.
Since then, 20 EU member states, as well as Norway, have reported HHC through the European Union’s alert system, specifically the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). However, despite HHC being known in scientific circles for over eight years, no pharmacological or toxicological studies on human subjects have been conducted thus far.
From a pharmacological standpoint, the effects of HHC in the context of acute behavioural and mental disorders are similar to those experienced by users of cannabis or other products containing Δ9-THC.
The Ministry of Health in Luxembourg proactively responded to the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids by expanding the list of psychoactive substances in 2009, encompassing all synthetic cannabinoids, including semi-synthetic ones like HHC.
In a response to a parliamentary question, Minister of Health Paulette Lenert clarified that HHC is synthesised from natural cannabinoids.
Luxembourg was among the first EU countries to enact comprehensive regulations concerning these substances. In the interest of safeguarding public health, the Luxembourg authorities are determined to implement further measures to prevent or minimise the risks and harm associated with such substances.
