Drug Safety Ministry bans imports of cannabis-substitute candies
Published: 26 Mar. 2024, 13:45
Updated: 26 Mar. 2024, 18:27
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- LEE SOO-JUNG
- [email protected]
![Jelly containing HHC-O-acetate [SCREEN CAPTURE]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2024/03/26/aeab41a2-8070-41cc-b834-1360670c2814.jpg)
Jelly containing HHC-O-acetate [SCREEN CAPTURE]
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Monday banned imports of the cannabis-like compound HHC-O-acetate in the form of candies and jelly over public health concerns.
Ingestion of the substance can cause derangement as it has a similar structure to cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol. The addictive compound can also make the user highly dependent on the substance both physically and psychologically.
The food safety authorities classified the substance as a second-tier narcotic, a categorization for substances that were not formerly designated as illegal drugs but are likely to harm public health or be misused as a substitute for illicit drugs.
The ministry requested the Korea Customs Service to hold the processing of foreign-origin food products containing HHC-O-acetate.
It also sought coordination with the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block Korean internet users’ access to online marketplaces offering such cannabinoid sweets.
![Brownie made of cannabinoid ingredients [SCREEN CAPTURE]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2024/03/26/7f4c239b-5038-4e7b-9f03-124821d45e1c.jpg)
Brownie made of cannabinoid ingredients [SCREEN CAPTURE]
Besides the newly administered HHC-O-acetate, the ministry has been overseeing the circulation of two other cannabinoid substances — hexahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabiphorol — to prevent them from entering the country.
The ministry has been controlling the imports of hazardous food items since 2008. The authorities designated a total of 288 substances, including HHC-O-acetate.
“It is important to check whether foreign food products are not prohibited or restricted items on the ministry’s website before making a purchase,” an official from the ministry said.
BY HAN YOUNG-HYE [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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