President Signs Amendment to Law on Psychotropic Substances, HHC Added to List

Bratislava, September 20 (TASR) - The substances HHC, HHC-P and HHC-O, which can be purchased in special vending machines in Slovakia, will be added on the list of narcotics and psychotropic substances, according to an amendment to the law on narcotics, psychotropic substances and preparations, signed by President Peter Pellegrini on Friday, TASR has learnt from the President Office's communication department. According to the Health Ministry, HHC is openly sold in Slovakia as a legal substitute for hemp products containing THC, although available information indicates that the effects of HHC are similar to those of THC. The ministry emphasised that information from ongoing research on the effects of HHC and related substances indicates the potential for habit formation, as well as psychological and physical dependence characterised by behavioural changes and serious health and psycho-social consequences. The amendment will take effect as of November 1. ko/mcs