A wave of health issues linked to the synthetic cannabinoid “HHCH” is gaining prominence in Japan.
In Tokyo, at a festival held in Musashino Park, Kokubunji City on November 4th, several individuals, aged 10 to 50, reported experiencing adverse health effects after consuming gummies containing “HHCH” distributed at the event. Five of them were subsequently hospitalized, citing symptoms such as vomiting.
According to investigators, the bags containing these gummies were labeled with “HHCH,” a synthetic compound designed to replicate the regulated cannabis component “THC.”
Similar incidents have been reported in Osaka Prefecture since January, with over a dozen individuals, primarily in their 20s to 30s, reporting symptoms like nausea and seizures after consuming gummies. One man in his 20s mentioned purchasing a pack of 10 gummies for 7,000 yen from someone he connected with on social media.
The president (39) of “WWE,” the company responsible for manufacturing and selling the controversial gummies, responded to media inquiries on the 17th. He disclosed that the gummies, produced in-house since April, are available in 50 to 60 stores nationwide, including online platforms and their own stores, Cannabis Culture Japan.
The gummies contain a synthetic compound, “hexahydrocannabinol (HHCH),” artificially created to mimic the cannabis component “tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).” The president explained that the gummies offer effects such as “mood improvement and relaxation.” While acknowledging approximately 10 cases of individuals experiencing health issues nationwide, he attributed the causes to “excessive intake and use by those unfamiliar with similar products.” He emphasized the commitment to thorough caution and awareness during continued sales.
Regarding the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s consideration of regulating “HHCH,” the president asserted, “It’s a foolish idea.” Expressing concern that new dangerous components might be developed through regulations, he advocated for creating rules to ensure users can safely use the products.
On the 17th, Osaka Prefecture and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Narcotics Control Division conducted on-site inspections of WWE based on the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. Osaka City also conducted on-site inspections on the 10th based on the Food Sanitation Act.
Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Katsunobu Kato addressed the issue after the Cabinet meeting on the 17th, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as a “serious health and hygiene problem.” He pledged necessary investigations into retail stores to prevent further health issues, with considerations to designate “HHCH” as a specified drug, contemplating restrictions on possession, use, and distribution upon identifying the specific components.
Reference: The Asahi Shimbun Company「祭りで男性が「元気になると思い」大麻グミを配布か、6人体調不良」、Yahoo Japan 「“大麻グミ”販売会社語る「違法なもの売っていない、継続して販売する」厚労省は指定薬物への指定検討」
