Friday, April 26, 2024

Americans Under Age 20 Exposed to Delta-8 THC

 

 


Americans under age 20 made up 56% of 2022 exposures to Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive substance found in cannabis sativa plants like marijuana and hemp. While teens comprised 15% of these exposures, children age 12 and under constituted 41%, according to data reported by America's Poison Centers 2022 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System. 

Delta-8 THC (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally-occurring chemical compound called a cannabinoid found in traces in hemp and cannabis (marijuana plants). In some states, you can legally buy products like gummies, vape cartridges, and capsules that contain a concentrated form of this compound. Hemp-derived THC products often look like candy wrapped in child-friendly packaging and sold at convenience stores and gas stations, leading to children accidentally consuming them. 

It produces a fuzzy, euphoric high similar to that from marijuana. Some people use delta-8 products to ease symptoms of stress, depression, or chronic pain even though research does not confirm it's effective. Questions surround its safety and legality. Delta-8 is made in labs with cannabinol (CDB) from hemp plants + chemicals. The FDA does not regulate the chemical process so products are not safety or quality tested. Consuming delta-8 may cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, confusion, and loss of consciousness.


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