On Thursday, TV4 Nyheterna was able to reveal that a new semi-synthetic variant of cannabis, HCC, is sold in Swedish stores and is marketed as candy to children and young people. In Sweden, it is still legal because the authorities have not yet classified it as a drug. – Overdose and intensive abuse of this means a high risk to both health and life, says Stewe Alm, strategic analyst at Noa. The drug resembles regular small sweets and tastes like banana, cola and cotton candy, but one of the most common products is electronic cigarettes, so-called “vapes”. So far this year, customs has handled 29 HHC finds, a substantial increase compared to last year’s ten. The development is now worrying Swedish authorities who want to stop the drug. The Public Health Agency is also aware of the drug, where it is currently being investigated in order to be classified as a narcotic. Compared to seizures of, for example, cocaine and regular cannabis, seizures of HCC are still relatively few, says Stewe Alm. – But we suspect that it is the tip of an iceberg, he says. Belongs to the same group as spice Stewe Alm further explains that HCC belongs to a group that is dangerous when it comes to overdose, and that it has the same effect as THC. – Previously, we had an epidemic of what we call spice, and that drug belongs to the same group as this one, and then we even had a couple of deaths, he says. – So overdose and intense abuse mean a high risk to both health and life. Basis for legislation is required Both Poland and Finland have banned the chemical substance, but in Sweden it is still legal because they have not had time to classify it as a narcotic yet. Stewe Alm tells us that there must be a solid foundation before a decision can be made on a ban. – Our legislation works so that you have to have a proper basis. The Public Health Authority has a responsibility to produce a scientific basis, and with knowledge of how the addiction market develops, he says. – I am absolutely sure that the Public Health Authority is working hard to get a government decision on this.
t4-general