Due to the amendment to the New Psychoactive Substances Ordinance (NPSV), which came into force on 23 March 2023, the cannabinomimetically active compound hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) - regardless of whether it was produced fully synthetically or semi-synthetically - is to be classified as a New Psychoactive Substance in accordance with Annex II. Therefore, the sale of any HHC products (including residual stocks) is prohibited in Austria.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a psychoactive substance that has recently entered the market in Austria and Europe. There was the potential for high demand for HHC products from users in Austria and Europe. This includes existing cannabis users but also new (including young and inexperienced) users who could have been attracted by its effects and status as a 'legal high'.

Therefore, the inclusion of HHC in the New Psychoactive Substances Ordinance (NPSO) will prevent the trade in these psychoactive products, which were previously placed on the market without any quality control, without criminalising consumers.

This amendment does not criminalise the possession of HHC products. However, anyone who places such products on the market contrary to the penal provision of Section 4 of the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NPSG) is liable to prosecution.

Economic compensation for remaining stocks is not provided for by law.