Study Finds Sharp Rise in Delta-8 THC Poisonings in Young Kids–Here's What Parents Can Do
Experts weigh in on the symptoms and dangers of accidental exposure.Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottCalls to poison centers across the country for exposures to delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) among young children have increased drastically according to a new study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s and the Central Ohio Poison Center.Researchers found that the rate of delta-8 THC exposures reported across the country increased by nearly 80% from January 2021 to December 2022. Two-thirds of those exposures were in the southern United States.According to Christopher Gaw, MD, an emergency medicine pediatrician with Nationwide Children's and one of the study authors, delta-8 THC exposures were significantly lower among states where delta-8 was banned. Meanwhile, delta-8 THC exposures were significantly lower among states where cannabis (delta-9 THC) use was legal."As delta-8 THC becomes more common and available in the United States, exposures are likely to increase," says Dr. Gaw. "Individuals may be using delta-8 THC as a substitute for delta-9 THC in states where delta-9 THC is banned. This theory would explain why we found lower rates of delta-8 THC exposure among states where delta-9 THC is legally available."
Getty Images/Imagesines
What Is Delta-8 THC?Delta-8 THC is an active compound found in the cannabis plant, which is sometimes called hemp or marijuana, depending on its composition. Cannabidiol, also called CBD, and delta-9 THC are the two cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that people are most familiar with. Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes a person to get high. Meanwhile, delta-8 THC has a similar chemical structure but is not found in large amounts."Delta-8 is found in very small amounts in the cannabis sativa plant, so it is typically synthesized in concentrated amounts from cannabidiol or CBD," says Hannah Hays, MD, a pediatrician and toxicologist with Nationwide Children's and one of the authors of the study. "Delta-8 and delta-9 have similar intoxicating and psychoactive effects and they both act on the brain in the same manner. However, delta-8 THC is generally less potent than delta-9 THC."Dr. Hays says it's this reduced potency that may have parents and other adults seeking a high similar to, but milder than, delta-9 THC."This difference in potency has caused some to refer to Delta-8 products as 'diet weed,'" she adds.Dr. Hays also notes that there is a lack of scientific research about the potential benefits of delta-8 THC but says some people report feeling relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief."People may use these products in states where delta-9 THC is not legal due to relative ease of access and concerns about legal repercussions surrounding delta-9 THC."Delta-8 THC Is Not FDA ApprovedIt's also important to note that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safe use in any context. They also could contain contaminants like heavy metals or be manufactured in unsanitary conditions, which can cause adverse reactions and even death.One study found that 66% of people described adverse reactions after ingestion of delta-8 THC-containing food products such as brownies and gummies. These reactions included hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness."Delta-8 THC is often marketed as 'light cannabis' and people who use it often expect the effects to be milder," says Antonia Nemanich, MD, a toxicologist and emergency medicine physician at Rush University System for Health in Chicago, Illinois. "But like everything in toxicology, the dose and concentration is what determines the effects. High concentrations of Delta-8 THC can produce the same effects as Delta-9 THC and can cause the same symptoms of cannabis overdose in children when enough is ingested."How Does This Substance Impact Kids?Dr. Nemanich says while exposure to delta-8 THC is not uncommon, young children usually consume these substances accidentally."When children see a delta-8 product [as] a gummy, brownie, or other treat, most do not recognize it as something they should not eat—even children who can read," she notes. "Many products have enticing, colorful packaging that is appealing to children."She goes on to say children don't know that people usually only eat one gummy or brownie piece, so they often ingest a significant amount of the product, resulting in a THC overdose."And in small children, even a single delta-8 edible can cause significant symptoms."The most common clinical effects seen in children in the study were mild central nervous system depression—when signals from the brain and spinal cord decrease (25%), says Dr. Hays. Rapid heartbeat (23%), agitation (16%), confusion (7%), hallucinations or delusions (4%), and ataxia or uncoordinated movements (3%) also can occur."If a child eats a delta-8 THC gummy I would expect sedation," says Michael Levine, MD, an emergency medicine physician and toxicologist with UCLA Health. "With delta-9 in high doses, children can vomit and get very sedated."How Parents Can Prevent Accidental Poisonings and ExposuresTHC edibles can look like candy, brownies, or other treats. While there are efforts to require safety measures such as opaque, child-proof packaging on all THC products, these regulations and their implementation are not happening fast enough to keep pace with the increased availability and popularity of these products, says Dr. Nemanich.In order to prevent accidental poisonings and exposures, she advises parents to keep delta-8 THC in a designated locked box, ideally one with a combination lock that only the adult using the product knows. These products should not be stored in the kitchen with food products and should never be left out on a counter or other accessible places, even for a few minutes."THC edibles also should not be used in front of children as this can motivate them to try them, especially when they see that they look like candy or other tasty treats," she says."It's also important to have a conversation with family members, friends, and caregivers about storing cannabis-related products safely when around children", adds Dr. Gaw.
Related: Do You Know What a Nicotine Pouch Looks Like? Most Parents Don't
When to Seek Emergency CareIf your child has ingested delta-8 THC, contact poison control or take them to the emergency room, especially if they develop any symptoms such as vomiting, sleepiness, confusion, agitation, difficulty walking, or seizures, says Dr. Nemanich."Any child that has the above symptoms suspected to be from THC exposure should be evaluated in an emergency department unless the symptoms are very mild," she says. "Symptoms can get worse before they get better. And, the smaller the child and the larger the amount ingested, the more severe symptoms are expected to be. Do not try to make a child vomit if you think they have ingested a cannabis product."Keep in mind, too, that the more cannabis that is ingested, the more severe these symptoms are.
Poison Control LineParents can call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 to receive free, confidential advice from experts 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Related: Thousands of Kids Are Going to the ER After Taking Melatonin, CDC Says
For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings