Germany Bans HHC And Other Synthetic Cannabinoids

The Bundesrat, Germany’s Federal Council, is about to introduce a national ban on HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) and other new cannabinoids. With this measure, Germany joins the list of countries that have banned this cannabinoid, along with Italy, France, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Belgium and Denmark. The government decree is expected to be approved next June 14, coinciding with the start of Mary Jane, the Berlin Cannabis Fair.

HHC ban in Germany

HHC, as well as other new cannabinoids, is not a regulated product and therefore not illegal in many countries. Some companies have taken advantage of the existing legal vacuum to enter the market with these products, which are mainly marketed with psychoactive claims. These cannabinoids are synthetic or semi-synthetic substances (depending on whether they are produced 100% artificially or from cannabis extracts subjected to chemical processes), which act in the organism producing effects similar to marijuana’s THC, with the consequent psychoactive effect. Unlike cannabis, these new cannabinoids have an unknown safety profile, with side effects and possible potential for dependence.

The ban, proposed by the German Ministry of Health, will amend the law on psychoactive substances to include HHC and other semi-synthetic cannabinoids. The measure comes in response to the increasing availability of these products on the market, which are mainly marketed through the Internet and in CBD stores in the form of legal hemp flowers and CBD cannabis resins (sprayed or mixed with synthetic HHC), sprays, gummies, vapes and e-liquids with this cannabinoid.

Justification of the Measure

German authorities have argued that synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC and derivatives pose health risks to consumers. There is insufficient data on the safety of these new substances, which have a high potential for dependence and psychoactive effects.

Synthetic cannabinoid products are marketed as an alternative to cannabis, promoted as an easy way to obtain psychoactive products. However, unlike cannabis, there is insufficient data on its safety and adverse effects.

The measure is also justified by reports of serious adverse effects associated with the consumption of products containing HHC and other synthetic cannabinoids. In short, the same arguments put forward by other countries that have also banned synthetic cannabinoids.

The HHC ban will coincide with Mary Jane, Germany’s leading cannabis trade fair, which will take place on June 14, 15 and 16 in Berlin. This could affect the exhibiting companies that market these products, since, as we saw at the Spannabis held in Barcelona just 3 months ago, the cannabis fair not only exhibits cannabis-related products, but also more and more synthetic cannabinoids such as THCP, HHC, and the incipient psychoactive mushrooms sector.

And, of course, it should be contextualized that this news comes at a historic moment, when Germany has just legalized recreational cannabis. As of July 1, 2024, the country has a system of cannabis social clubs (similar to cannabis clubs in Spain), allowing adults to grow and share cannabis in a regulated environment. Although it is not the first country in the European Union to legalize cannabis, Germany is at the center of attention on cannabis regulation in Europe.

Impact of the news and outlook

Many European countries have already implemented bans similar to those now proposed by the German-speaking country. Countries such as Italy, France, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Belgium and Denmark have already banned HHC and other neo-cannabinoids. It is possible that the semi-synthetic cannabinoid industry will evolve and offer other substances not covered by current legislation, such as CB9, 10-OH-HHC.

At Cannactiva, we will continue to offer CBD flowers and CBD resins of the best quality and 100% natural, without synthetic cannabinoids or terpenes, because we believe that perfection can only be achieved by nature: