Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties.
Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant.
Delta-8THC binds to the same cannabinoid receptors delta-9 THC, but with weaker affinity.
Delta-8 THC os an isomer of Delta-9 THC, the principal psychoactive compound of marijuana.
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC both act on cannabinoid-1 receptors and produce similar intoxicating effects, but have different legal context.
A high school senior survey found that 11% of students reported using delta 8- tetrahydrocannabinol in the prior 12 months.
Concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive drug.
It is important for consumers to be aware that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.
They may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk and should especially be kept out of reach of children and pets.
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.
These products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context.
Some concerns include variability in product formulations and product labeling, other cannabinoid and terpene content, and variable delta-8 THC concentrations.
Some of these products may be labeled simply as hemp products, implying non-psychoactivity.
The FDA has received adverse event reports involving delta-8 THC-containing products.
The FDA received reports of adverse events in patients who consumed delta-8 THC products: 77% involved adults, 8% involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age, and 15% did not report age.
55% required intervention, by emergency medical servicesor hospital admission.
66% described adverse events after ingestion of delta-8 THC-containing food products-brownies, gummies.
Adverse events included: hallucinations, vomiting, tremor, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
National poison control centers received exposure cases of delta-8 THC products: 58% involved adults, 41% involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age, and 1% did not report age.
40% involved unintentional exposure to delta-8 THC and 82% of these unintentional exposures affected pediatric patients.
70% required health care facility evaluation, of which 8% resulted in admission to a critical care unit; 45% of patients requiring health care facility evaluation were pediatric patients.
One pediatric case outcome of death.
Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, similar to delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC products often involve use of potentially harmful chemicals to create the concentrations of delta-8 THC claimed in the marketplace, as the natural amount of delta-8 THC in hemp is very low, and additional chemicals are needed to convert other cannabinoids in hemp, like CBD, into delta-8 THC.
Concerns with this process include:
Some manufacturers may use potentially unsafe household chemicals to make delta-8 THC to change the color of the final product.
If consumed or inhaled, these chemicals, including some used to make delta-8 THC and the by-products created during synthesis, can be harmful.