Man Experienced Nine Days of Cognitive Impairment After Eating HHC-C9 Cannabis Cookies

After eating two cannabis cookies labeled as containing 40 mg "CC9" and biting a gummy with unknown contents, a man in his early forties required emergency admission for deficits in alertness and responsiveness. He experienced vomiting, visual problems, and nine days of cognitive and physical impairment. Forensic toxicology confirmed HHC-C9, a novel semisynthetic cannabinoid.

Single case report from an Emergency Department. Clinical presentation documented alongside forensic toxicological analysis confirming HHC-C9 in blood.

Semisynthetic cannabinoids like HHC-C9 now account for over 40% of new psychoactive substances reported in Europe. They are sold as "legal highs" in convenience stores and online, often as cookies, candies, or vape products specifically targeting young consumers. This case demonstrates that their effects can be dramatically more severe and prolonged than natural cannabis.

The proliferation of semisynthetic cannabinoids through legal loopholes creates a growing public health risk. These products are designed to mimic THC but can produce much stronger and longer-lasting effects. The nine-day impairment in this case far exceeds anything expected from natural cannabis, highlighting the unpredictability of these novel compounds.

Single case report. Co-ingestion of gummy with unknown contents. Cannot determine exact dose consumed. Individual susceptibility may vary. Limited information on HHC-C9 pharmacology.