In response to the surging misuse of gummies and other products containing cannabis or similar ingredients overseas, the Korean Food and Drug Safety Ministry has stepped in to block the import of such products into the country.
On the 25th, the Ministry announced that there has been a sharp increase in hospital admissions due to the misuse of gummies and candies containing cannabis substances including HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol), THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol), and a similar ingredient, HHC-O-acetate. As a result, they have newly designated and announced HHC-O-acetate as an ingredient to be blocked from imported goods.
HHC-O-acetate is classified as a temporary narcotic (class 2) under the Narcotics Control Act and has a high risk as it can cause confusion, along with physical and mental dependency.
The Ministry plans to request the Customs Service to hold clearance on imported foods containing HHC-O-acetate and cannabis and request the Broadcasting Communications Review Committee to block access to online sales sites.
The Ministry has been blocking the import of directly purchased foreign food ingredients and substances that could potentially harm the health of the public since 2008, and so far, a total of 288 types of ingredients have been blocked from importation for this very reason.
A Ministry official said, “It is important to check the ‘Proper Direct Purchase of Foreign Foods’ section on the Food Safety Nation website before purchasing foreign foods.”