20% of young people in addiction services have taken legal drug sold in vapes

Senior gardaí are aware of the concern around the substance but, as it is not deemed illegal, it is currently outside their remit. Picture: Nicholas T Ansell/PA

Around 20% of young people presenting to adolescent addiction services in recent months were associated with a semi-synthetic form of cannabis legally sold in vape shops, the country’s top health expert on drugs has said.

The HSE's clinical lead on addiction, Prof Eamon Keenan, said those presenting to the HSE teenage drug services are reporting “mental health problems” after consuming HHC [hexahydrocannabinol] vapes.