'Silent assassin' vaping drug ban not enough to stop other substances, expert warns

 While both the Department of Justice and the Department of Health say hexahydrocannabinol is currently covered by legislation on psychoactive substances, Mr Keenan has welcomed plans to include it in a list of prohibited substance through the Misuse of Drugs Act. File Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Plans to prohibit a vaping drug branded a "silent assassin" will not be enough to prevent other equally dangerous substances emerging in its place, a HSE addiction expert has warned.

Moves are in place to include hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) on the list of controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act, according to the Department of Health. A semi-synthetic version of a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis, hexahydrocannabinol can be used in vapes or in jelly edibles.