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A concerning trend is emerging in Australia as the Health Research Board (HRB) reveals a significant increase in young people seeking treatment for Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) addiction. Over the past 18 months, a total of 169 young individuals have sought help for issues related to HHC, a synthetic cannabinoid increasingly found in vapes and edibles.

HHC, often marketed as a legal alternative to cannabis, is gaining popularity, particularly among younger demographics. However, health experts are raising serious concerns about its potential risks and the lack of comprehensive research into its long-term effects. Unlike cannabis, the production of HHC is often unregulated, leading to variations in potency and the potential presence of harmful contaminants.

What is HHC and Why is it Concerning?

Hexahydrocannabinol is a synthetic cannabinoid, meaning it’s created in a laboratory rather than naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. It's chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and produces similar effects, such as euphoria and altered perception. The appeal lies in its perceived legality and the ease with which it can be accessed, often online or through unregulated retailers.

The HRB data highlights that the problems stemming from HHC use are diverse, ranging from anxiety and paranoia to more severe psychological distress and dependence. Young people are particularly vulnerable due to their developing brains and potential lack of awareness regarding the risks involved. The rapid rise in treatment-seeking behaviour suggests a growing public health issue that requires urgent attention.

The Risks of Unregulated Production

One of the biggest concerns surrounding HHC is the lack of regulation in its production. This means there's no guarantee of product purity or consistent potency. Users may unknowingly be consuming products contaminated with harmful chemicals or containing significantly higher levels of HHC than advertised, leading to unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects.

“We’re seeing a worrying trend where young people are experimenting with substances they don’t fully understand,” states Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading researcher in addiction studies. “The lack of regulation surrounding HHC production is a major risk factor, and we need to educate young people about the potential dangers.”

What Can Be Done?

• Increased Awareness: Public health campaigns are crucial to educate young people, parents, and educators about the risks associated with HHC and other synthetic cannabinoids.
• Stricter Regulation: Governments need to swiftly implement regulations to control the production, distribution, and sale of HHC and similar substances.
• Accessible Treatment: Ensuring that young people have access to affordable and accessible treatment services is paramount.
• Further Research: More research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of HHC and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

The rise in HHC-related treatment-seeking behaviour serves as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of drug use and the need for proactive measures to protect the health and wellbeing of young Australians. The HRB’s findings should be a catalyst for urgent action to address this emerging public health challenge.