Both the Centre for Disease Control and the US Food Food & Drug Administration have come out with both concerns and warnings about yet another emerging ‘medicinal’ misuse of cannabis products.

Here are 5 things you should know about delta-8 THC to keep you and those you care for safe from products that may pose serious health risks: 

1. Delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use and may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk.

2. The FDA has received adverse event reports involving delta-8 THC-containing products. . 

National poison control centers received 661 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products between January 2018 and July 31, 2021, 660 of which occurred between January 1, 2021, and July 31, 2021. Of the 661 exposure cases:

• 41% involved unintentional exposure to delta-8 THC and 77% of these unintentional exposures affected pediatric patients less than 18 years of age. 
• 39% involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age
• 18% required hospitalizations, including children who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission following exposure to these products. 

3. Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects.

4. Delta-8 THC products often involve use of potentially harmful chemicals to create the concentrations of delta-8 THC claimed in the marketplace. 

5. Delta-8 THC products should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Why is the FDA notifying the public about delta-8 THC?

A combination of factors has led the FDA to provide consumers with this information. These factors include: 

• An uptick in adverse event reports to the FDA and the nation’s poison control centers.
• Marketing, including online marketing of products, that is appealing to children.
• Concerns regarding contamination due to methods of manufacturing that may in some cases be used to produce marketed delta-8 THC products. ¹

CDC – Health Alert Network: Increases in Availability of Cannabis Products Containing Delta-8 THC and Reported Cases of Adverse Events

Several factors can influence both the type and severity of cannabis-related adverse events, including the type of cannabinoid ingested, concentration, route of exposure, and the individual characteristics of the person who consumed the cannabinoid such as their age, weight, and sex. Delta-8 THC intoxication can cause adverse effects similar to those observed during delta-9 THC intoxication^10,12, and may include—

• Lethargy
• Uncoordinated movements and decreased psychomotor activity
• Slurred speech
• Increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Sedation
• Coma

Summary
The rise in delta-8 THC products in marijuana and hemp marketplaces has increased the availability of psychoactive cannabis products, even in states, territories, and tribal nations where non-medical adult cannabis use is not permitted under law. Variations in product content, manufacturing practices, labeling, and potential misunderstanding of the psychoactive properties of delta-8 THC may lead to unexpected effects among consumers. Adverse event reports involving products that contain delta-8 THC that resulted in consumers’ hospital or emergency department treatment have been described. Increased reports of adverse events related to delta-8 THC, as well as preliminary reports of the emergence of other similarly produced products derived from cannabis warrant the continued monitoring and tracking of adverse events related to THC. ²

For More go to ....

1 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC | FDA

2 HAN Archive - 00451 | Health Alert Network (HAN) (cdc.gov)

Research & Communication Team