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HSE issues warning over substances linked to 'serious physical and mental harms' found in vaping products

Symptoms include psychosis, loss of consciousness, and severe intoxication

[Close-up of a stack of colorful electronic vaporizer or e-vaporizer aka electronic cigarettes or vapes]

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Close-up of a stack of colorful electronic vaporizer or e-vaporizer aka electronic cigarettes or vapes

High-risk synthetic cannabinoids have been found in products sold in shops in Ireland, according to the HSEs early warning system for drugs.

The substances are linked to serious physical and mental health harms, including psychosis, loss of consciousness, and severe intoxication.

The health services national drug treatment centre lab has identified the cannabinoids in vapes, vape juice and edible products in shops and the illicit market.

A total of 76 vapes or vape juice have been analysed to date in 2026 and 28 contained HHC or related compounds such as semi-synthetic cannabinoids.

Eight contained potent synthetic cannabinoids while 10 had an acetate-containing compound linked to lung disease

A dozen had cannabis or related compounds. while 41 contained CBD.

A spokesperson for Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), the representative body for over 3,200 independent vape retailers across the country, said of the findings: Todays findings from the HSE reinforce our long-standing concern as responsible retailers about the growth of unregulated products being sold through illicit channels.

"Responsible retailers are operating within an increasingly regulated market and are doing their part to comply with the rules. It is deeply frustrating for them to see bad actors continuing to sell products outside those rules, putting the health of the public at risk, while compliant retailers face increasing regulatory and financial burdens.

"Government must now step up enforcement against these rogue operators. RVI has previously called for stronger enforcement, including increased inspections and a tax stamp system that would help identify products that have entered the legal market and ensure that those avoiding the rules cannot continue to undercut responsible businesses.

"The rules now need to be properly enforced, and action should be focused on those who are ignoring them.

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