An investigation highlights concerns that vapes sold openly in Irish shops and online may contain illegal or poorly labelled cannabinoids, including HHC, which has been linked to severe psychosis. It matters because teenagers may assume products sold on the high street are regulated and safe, despite uncertainty over their contents and potential long-term health effects.

HHC became a controlled drug in Ireland on 29 July 2025, but a 2026 HSE laboratory analysis of 76 vapes and liquids found 28 containing HHC or related semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Other samples contained synthetic cannabinoids, cannabis compounds or chemicals associated with lung concerns, sometimes in combination; school leaders report incidents involving pupils with rapid heart rates and breathing difficulties.