Delta 8 - Not A “Safe” Option of THC
Delta 8, perhaps you have heard of it or see a sign advertising it in stores, but do you really know what it is? Delta 8, otherwise known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a mind-altering, psychoactive substance that is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, the same plant from which marijuana is found. Marijuana refers to products that contain high amounts of Delta-9 THC, whereas Delta-8 is a product found in small traces in hemp and marijuana plants.
Delta-8 THC has been inaccurately portrayed as a safer and “lighter” version of marijuana. The psychoactive and powerful effects of Delta-8 THC are similar to Delta-9 THC, which is most often associated with the “high” consumers experience when using marijuana or cannabis. Delta-8 in the cannabis plant is estimated to be about 50-75% as psychoactive as Delta-9 THC, however it comes in much higher concentrations, making it potentially more powerful.
Since Delta-8 THC occurs at a low amount naturally in the cannabis plant, producers synthetically produce and concentrate Delta-8 THC into higher amounts. Many harmful chemicals are used to convert hemp and other cannabinoids into Delta-8 THC. Solvents and other potentially harmful household chemicals are used to make Delta-8 THC through a synthetic process. After the desired concentration has been achieved, more chemicals are added to change the color and flavor of the product. Production and manufacturing of Delta-8 THC is highly unregulated, meaning the presence of unsafe substances such as heavy metals, are common with these products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a concerning number of adverse event reports in relation to Delta-8 THC products. These reports have included hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness and others. Over half of these reports required intervention by emergency medical services or hospital admission. Poison control centers all over the nation receive calls in relation to Delta-8 THC, with approximately 2,362 exposure cases of Delta-8 THC products reported in 2021. Many of these cases involved unintentional exposures to pediatric patients or pets. Many Delta-8 THC products are manufactured, labeled, and packaged in ways that may appeal to children such as gummies, chocolates, cookies or candies, putting children at risk for exposure.
It is important to note that Delta-8 THC products are not evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use. This raises concerns about variability in product labeling and formulations, putting consumers at risk. As noted above, many Delta-8 products are produced in ways that appeal to youth, with colorful packaging and fun flavors. However, we know that any use of Delta-8 THC or other marijuana products by youth can have detrimental effects on their brains and ultimately their lives. Unfortunately, Delta-8 is legal to produce and sell in Wisconsin and can easily be obtained by youth due to a lack of laws addressing the product.
The best way to keep your family safe from Delta-8 THC products is to not have them in your home. Other tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe include storing these products in out-of-reach and locked locations, never consuming these products in front of children, avoid buying products that come in packaging that would be attractive to children (chocolates, gummies, candies, cookies, etc), talking to your family and loved ones about Delta-8 products and the risk of consuming them, and of course abstaining from using any of these products.
If you think you or someone else has been exposed to Delta-8 THC, call the free poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 as soon as possible. If symptoms of exposure seem severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
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