Gardai have issued an urgent warning about edible cannabis jellies after a number of people who ate them were hospitalised.
A "large quantity" of the jellies, were seized by gardai during a search operation in Clonmel, Co Tipperary last week.
The 'edibles' that were seized included sweets labelled as 'Jolly Ranchers' sour gummies and cannabis infused 'Chuckles Peach Rings' jellies.
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The search was carried out at a domestic residence on New Years Eve as part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the Tipperary Division. Gardia also seized cash and vape oil from the property.
In a statement today, the HSE confirmed that a small number of people in Tipperary had to be hospitalised after eating the cannabis sweets over the festive season.
The jellies were analysed and found contain "new and risky substances" such as synthetic cannabinoids, which are are man-made chemicals produced to mimic the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
However, synthetic cannabinoids will produce similar or more potent effects than THC and they also produce "more intense adverse effects" which has caused mass poisonings and deaths in recent years.
The HSE statement said: "A small number of hospitalisations have occurred following the consumption of edible products (Jolly Rancher jellies) during the period of December 2022 in the Tipperary Region. Upon analysis from Forensic Science Ireland, these edible products have been found to contain new and risky substances known as synthetic cannabinoids."
A gardai spokesperson said: "As part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the Tipperary Division, Gardaí in Clonmel carried out a search at a domestic residence on the 31st December 2022.
"During the course of the search Gardaí seized a large quantity of suspected cannabis-infused edibles, cash and vape oil.
"The Jellies are believed to contain synthetic cannabinoids, and the products seized have been submitted to Forensic Science Ireland for further analysis.
"A criminal investigation into this seizure and the sale and supply of these products is ongoing.
"Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information relating to this seizure to contact Gardaí at Clonmel 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any other Garda Station."
Gardai also urged the public to seek medical attention immediately if anyone who has consumed these cannabis-infused edibles becomes unwell by calling 999 or 112.
The HSE say that signs for concern following consumption of the jellies include feeling dizzy, confusion, abnormal sweating, respiratory issues, chest pain/rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, agitation, aggression, psychotic behaviour, hallucinations, delusions, seizures or fits. They can also lead to sudden loss of consciousness.
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