WHAT IS DELTA-8? DELTA-9?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC, or Delta-8 for short) is derived from the hemp of the cannabis sativa plant. It is a psychoactive substance found in a variety of products, including vapes, edibles, capsules and extracts. Delta-8 affects people in a comparable way to Delta-9; Delta-9 is the part accountable for the “high” that people have from using cannabis. ¹

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF DELTA-8?

People who use Delta-8 may go through a mild euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception. Even though individuals tend to experience less nervousness or mistrust than with usage of Delta-9, the side effects of Delta-8 are significant and include dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia, red eyes, tremor, extreme hunger and short-term memory issues.

WHAT IS THE PREVALENCE OF DELTA-8?

Approximately 11% of 12th-grade students across the United States reported past-year use of Delta-8 according to the 2023 Monitoring the Future survey funded by the National Institutes of Health. ¹

IS DELTA-8 LEGAL?

While Delta-8 is not technically illegal, it is not regulated. The FDA is aware of the growing concerns surrounding Delta-8 THC products currently being sold online and in stores. These products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context. Concerns include variability in product formulations and product labeling, other cannabinoid and terpene content, and variable Delta-8 THC concentrations. Additionally, some of these products may be labeled simply as “hemp products,” which may mislead consumers who associate “hemp” with “non-psychoactive.” Furthermore, the FDA is concerned by the proliferation of products containing Delta-8 THC being marketed for therapeutic or medical uses, although they have not been approved by the FDA. ² Selling unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims is not only a violation of federal law, but also can put consumers at risk, as these products have not been proven to be safe or effective. ² This deceptive marketing of unproven treatments raises significant public health concerns. ²

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DELTA-8 THC POISONING?

Even though Delta-8 is marketed as having less of a high than regular cannabis, products often contain large doses which can cause similar effects to cannabis overdose. Symptoms include:

Drowsiness
Vomiting
Confusion/hallucinations
Uncoordinated movements, difficulty walking
Severe toxicity has been associated with changes in heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and coma.³

Similar to cannabis, children are more likely to experience severe toxicity from Delta-8 THC poisoning.

HOW DO I HELP SOMEONE SUSPECTED OF DELTA-8 OVERDOSE?

If you suspect someone is experiencing Delta-8 THC poisoning: ³

Call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 for specific recommendations. ³

If someone is not breathing and unresponsive: ³

Call 911 immediately if the person has stopped breathing or is unable to respond. ³

WOULD SOMEONE NEED ADDICTION TREATMENT IF THEY USE DELTA-8?

Santé Center for Healing provides integrity-driven, evidence-based, and personalized long-term recovery customized for those suffering from substance use disorders, mental health, trauma, problematic sexual behavior, co-occurring disordered eating and other compulsive behaviors. Founded in 1996, Santé’s mission is to provide long-term recovery because left untreated, addiction is a fatal disease.

Sources:

National Instutute on Drug Abuse Advancing Addiction Science. Delta-8-THC use reported by 11% of 12th graders in 2023. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/03/delta-8-thc-use-reported-by-11-of-12th-graders-in-2023 on March 12, 2024.
National Library of Medicine. 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-8 THC. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9312454/ on January 2022.
America’s Poison Centers. Delta-8 THC. Retrieved from https://poisoncenters.org/track/delta-8-THC.

Graphic: About time & Julie K. Ballard

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