Japan: Sales Halted for 'Cannabis Gummies' as Health Issues Mount

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Japan: Sales Halted for ‘Cannabis Gummies’ as Health Issues Mount

Japan: Sales Halted for ‘Cannabis Gummies’ as Health Issues Mount, Osaka Manufacturer Ordered to Stop

In the wake of health problems linked to ‘Cannabis Gummies,’ the Kinki Health Bureau’s Narcotics Control Department issued an order on December 7th to halt the production and sales of gummies containing compounds similar to the synthetic compounds that became regulated starting this month.

The bureau conducted on-site inspections at stores and factories operated by the food manufacturing and sales company ‘WWE’ (based in Osaka) in Osaka and Hyogo.

They instructed the company to cease the sale of the products until the results of ingredient analysis are available, in accordance with the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act.

Japan: Sales Halted for 'Cannabis Gummies' as Health Issues Mount

The ‘Cannabis Gummies’ causing health issues were found to contain a synthetic compound similar to the harmful components of cannabis, known as “HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol).” The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare added this compound to the list of designated drugs and prohibited its sale, possession, and use on the 2nd of this month.

According to investigators, the same company had previously sold gummies claiming to contain HHC. Around the end of November, they began promoting gummies containing a compound similar to HHC called “HHCP (Hexahydrocannabinophenol).” Several individuals who consumed products containing HHCP have reported feeling unwell.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to comprehensively regulate cannabis-related compounds as designated drugs starting early next year.”

Japanese Ministry of Health Conducts Inspection of Stores and Factories with HHCH Similar Components, Orders Suspension of Sales of Gummies, etc.

The Narcotics Control Division of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare conducted on-site inspections on December 7th of a sales company in Osaka, ordering the suspension of sales of gummies containing components similar to the prohibited cannabis-like substance “HHCH” (Hexahydrocannabinol), according to interviews with relevant parties.

According to sources, this company has been selling gummies containing “HHCP (Hexahydrocannabinophenol)” as a “substitute” since HHCH was added as a designated drug. The Narcotics Control Division has ordered the retrieval of gummies and liquids containing HHCP, as indicated on the packaging, and has instructed the suspension of sales until the results of component analysis are available.

Concerning HHCH, the Ministry of Health designated it as a specified drug from the 2nd, prohibiting possession, use, and sales. However, products containing components similar to HHCH have continued to be released, with sources noting cases of “suspected health damage.”

The Ministry of Health plans to implement a “comprehensive designation” targeting substances similar to HHCH after the start of the new year.

What is “HHCH” (Hexahydrocannabinol)?

According to the information found on Wikipedia, Hexahydrocannabihexol (HHCH) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid derivative that was first synthesized by Roger Adams in 1942.

It is more potent than either the pentyl or heptyl homologues, or the unsaturated tetrahydrocannabinol analogue [1].

It is important to note that HHCH is classified as an “intoxicating cannabinoid” in Colorado and requires a license for its manufacture or distribution[1].

In Japan, after several people who had eaten gummy candies containing HHCH fell ill, this chemical was officially added to the list of designated substances.

And since 2 December 2023, it has been illegal to possess, use, or sell it [1].

References:

1. en.wikipedia.org
2. en.wikipedia.org
3. hhch.org
4. en.wikipedia.org