Emergence of semi-synthetic cannabinoids in Europe – a perspective from the European Union Early Warning System

Background

Since 2022, a new market in semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) has emerged. SSCs appear to be made from naturally occurring cannabinoids, such as CBD, and are sold openly in a broad range of consumer product forms. These includes vapes and edibles that may be particularly attractive to young people.

Methods

The EU Early Warning System on new psychoactive substances (EWS) allows Europe to rapidly detect, assess, and respond to public health threats linked to new psychoactive substances (NPS). Data collected and analysed include event-based data on seizures by law enforcement, collected samples submitted to drug-checking services and serious adverse events linked to NPS. These data are complemented by annual reports, which include aggregated data on seizures and biological samples, including those associated with poisonings.

Results

In 2022, SSCs, not controlled under international drug laws, started to appear on the European drug market for the first time. The first was hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) which was identified in May 2022 and had been reported by 23 EU Member States and Norway by December 2023. Five other SSCs, HHC acetate, hexahydrocannabiphorol, tetrahydrocannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabiphorol and hexahydrocannabihexol, have also been identified in Europe. Most of the seizures reported to the EU EWS are relatively small-scale, however large-scale seizures have also been reported and are indicative of a potentially larger trade including production of finished products in Europe. SSCs are sold openly as legal replacements to THC and cannabis in a range of highly attractive branded and unbranded products. Products include low-THC cannabis flower and resin that have been sprayed or mixed with SSCs, vapes, and food products (commonly known as ‘edibles’), such as sweets. The size and scale of the retail market for SSCs is unknown. Products are sold openly in a range of brick-and-mortar and online shops, particularly those specialised in selling low-THC cannabis and CBD products, as well as vaping products. Concerns exist that, potentially, there could be a large demand for SSC products. These include existing cannabis users and new consumers attracted to its effects and legal status – including young and other inexperienced people.

Conclusion

The markets for HHC and related semi-synthetic cannabinoids are rapidly evolving areas with relatively limited information currently available. These developments may signal the first major new change in the market for ‘legal’ replacements to cannabis since Spice-type products emerged in Europe just over 15 years ago. The sudden emergence of HHC and its apparent rapid spread in the US and Europe have posed unusual challenges to laboratories, public health, health professionals, law enforcement, policy and decision-makers as well as to the public.