What is Delta-8 THC?
The bottom line
Delta-8 THC is similar to delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, although it is less potent. The legal status of delta-8 THC is vague; it is legal in some states but has been restricted or banned in others. In states where the sale of delta-8 THC is legal, packaging may not be child-resistant, and may feature bright colors, cartoon-like images, or other features that are attractive to children and adolescents.
Prevention Tips
Since the sale of products containing delta-8 THC is not regulated by the federal or state governments, ingredients may not be standardized, and packaging may not be child-resistant. Keep all potentially dangerous products, including delta-8 THC, well out of the reach of young children.
Be familiar with the laws surrounding the sale and use of delta-8 THC where you live. Even though delta-8 THC may be legal in some states, it is restricted or illegal to use, possess, or sell in other states.
This Really Happened
A 3-year-old boy was brought to an Emergency Department after eating an unknown amount of delta-8 THC gummies belonging to his mother. The gummies were packaged in a container with a twist-off top, and the boy was able to open the container by himself. The child experienced vomiting but was eventually released from the hospital. His mother was cited for child abuse and neglect.
The full story
Delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid ingredient of the Cannabis sativa plant and is responsible for the clinical effects noted by individuals who use cannabis. While possession and/or use of cannabis has been legalized in many states, it is still currently illegal to use, sell, or possess cannabis, according to the federal government of the United States.
In 2018, the United States farm bill was passed with the purpose of supporting and stabilizing agricultural programs in the United States. Legislation included in the 2018 farm bill approved the sale and possession of hemp. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that is grown specifically for industrial use, including the manufacture of rope, yarn, and burlap. The 2018 farm bill allows for the commercial sale and use of hemp, with the strict definition that hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC. The bill does not address the possession, use, or sale of products that can be derived from hemp, including other biologically active components of cannabis (known as cannabinoids) such delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC is a “chemical cousin” of delta-9 THC. It shares a very similar chemical structure to delta-9 THC and acts on the brain in the same manner as delta-9 THC, but it is less potent. The reduced potency means that, compared with delta-9 THC, higher amounts of delta-8 THC are required to achieve the same clinical effects. However, the dosing of delta-8 THC has not been studied extensively in humans, and it is unclear what a “standard” dose of delta-8 THC represents. Also, because it is not specifically addressed in the 2018 farm bill, the legal status of delta-8 THC in the United States is unclear. As of June 2021, at least 15 states have banned or restricted delta-8 THC products, but in other states delta-8 THC remains legal and available for sale. In states where the sale of delta-8 THC is not restricted, the product may be available at tobacco shops in various formulations including gummies and vape cartridges. Because delta-8 THC products are not regulated by the federal government, the packaging may not be child-resistant and may contain cartoon-like images or other features that may be appealing to children.
If you or a loved one have a question about poisoning from delta-8 THC, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool or call 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free for the public, and available 24 hours a day.
