What is Delta 8?
Delta 8, perhaps you’ve heard the name or seen a sign about it, but do you really know what it is? Delta 8, otherwise known as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a mind-altering, psychoactive substance that is found in the Cannabis sativa plant, the same plant from which marijuana (commonly referred to as cannabis) is found. More specifically, marijuana refers to the plant’s products that contain high amounts of Delta-9 THC, whereas Delta-8 is a product found in small traces in hemp and marijuana plants.
While the media has inaccurately portrayed Delta-8 THC to be a much safer and “lighter” version of marijuana, this is not the truth. The psychoactive and powerful effects of delta-8 THC are similar to delta-9 THC, which is the component responsible for the “high” consumers experience when using cannabis. Delta-8 in the cannabis plant is estimated to be about 50-75% as psychoactive as delta-9 THC.
Due to the low amount of delta-8 THC occurring naturally in the cannabis plant, many harmful chemicals must be used to convert hemp and other cannabinoids into delta-8 THC. Solvents and other potentially harmful household chemicals are used to make delta-8 THC through a synthetic process. After the desired concentration has been achieved, even more chemicals are added to change the color of the product. Since production and manufacturing of delta-8 THC is highly unregulated, the presence of unsafe substances is common within these products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a concerning number of adverse event reports relating to delta-8 THC containing products. These adverse events include, but are not limited to, hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Over half of these reports required intervention by emergency medical services or hospital admission. Poison control centers all over the nation receive calls in relation to delta-8 THC, with approximately 2,362 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products reported in 2021. Many of these cases involved unintentional exposures to pediatric patients or pets.
It is important to note that delta-8 THC products are not evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use. This raises concerns about variability in product labeling and formulations, putting consumers at risk. Many delta-8 THC products are manufactured, labeled, and packaged in ways that may appeal to children, such as gummies, chocolates, cookies, or candies. These products may be purchased online, as well as at convenience stores and gas stations. Currently delta-8 is legal to produce and sell in Wisconsin and can easily be obtained by youth due to a lack of laws addressing the products.
The best way to keep your family safe from delta-8 THC products is to not have them in your home. Other tips to keep you safe include storing these products in out-of-reach or locked locations, never consuming in front of children, avoid buying products that come in packaging that would be attractive to children, talking to your family about delta-8 products and the risks of consuming them, and of course, using any of these products with extra caution.
If you think you or someone else has been exposed to delta-8 THC, call the free poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 as soon as possible. If symptoms of exposure seem severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
