America's Poison Centers - Delta-8 THC (2024)

What is Delta-8 THC?

The Cannabis Sativa plant contains hundreds of naturally occurring cannabinoids. The major cannabinoids in the plant are the psychoactive delta-9 THC and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid most responsible for producing the “high” from cannabis. Similarly, Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring minor cannabinoid in the cannabis plant that is described as having half the “high” of delta-9 THC (marijuana).

Why is Delta-8 THC Poisoning Trending?

In 2021, CDC issued a health advisory regarding the increased availability of cannabis products containing delta-8 THC. These products may be sold legally in hemp or marijuana marketplaces and have been marketed as “weed light”. Delta-8 THC is in a number of products including edibles, extracts and vapes. FDA has not evaluated or approved delta-8 THC products for safe use. Since Delta-8 THC is found in such small quantities in the cannabis plant, it is often chemically made from CBD. As such, these products may contain other cannabinoids, terpenes, or chemical contaminants that are not on the product label.

As of May 31, 2024, Poison Centers have managed 997 Delta-8 THC related exposure cases.

America's Poison Centers - Delta-8 THC (1)From 2021 to 2024, Poison Centers have managed 8,985 Delta-8 THC related exposure cases.

America's Poison Centers - Delta-8 THC (2)

What are the Signs andSymptoms ofDelta-8 THC Poisoning?

Even though Delta-8 is marketed as having less of a high than regular cannabis, products often contain large doses which can cause similar effects to cannabis overdose. Similar to cannabis, children are more likely to experience severe toxicity from delta-8 THC poisoning. Symptoms include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion/hallucinations
  • Uncoordinated movements, difficulty walking

Severe toxicity has been associated with changes in heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and coma.

Treatment and First Aid

If you suspect someone is experiencing a life-threatening delta-8 THC poisoning:

  • Call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 for specific recommendations.

If someone is breathing and responsive:

  • Call 911 immediately if the person has stopped breathing or is unable to respond.

Take Action

For questions about delta-8 THC or delta-8 THC poisoning call Poison Help at1-800-222-1222. From product related questions, to concerns about signs and symptoms of potential overdose, Poison Help staff are ready and available, 24/7/365, free of cost, for emergencies and non-emergencies.

For the Media

Please cite this data as “National Poison Data System, America's Poison Centers.” Any and all print, digital, social, or visual media using this data must include the following: “You can reach your local Poison Center by calling the Poison Help line: 1-800-222-1222. To save the number in your mobile phone, text POISON to 301-597-7137.” Email media@PoisonCenters.org or call 703-894-1863 for more information, questions, or to submit request data.

America's Poison Centers - Delta-8 THC (2024)

FAQs

America's Poison Centers - Delta-8 THC? ›

Even though Delta-8 is marketed as having less of a high than regular cannabis, products often contain large doses which can cause similar effects to cannabis overdose. Similar to cannabis, children are more likely to experience severe toxicity from delta-8 THC poisoning. Symptoms include: Drowsiness.

How toxic is delta-8 THC? ›

66% described adverse events after ingestion of delta-8 THC-containing food products (e.g., brownies, gummies). Adverse events included, but were not limited to: hallucinations, vomiting, tremor, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

What are the side effects of delta-8 THC? ›

Of the 22 patients, 19 experienced adverse events after ingesting delta-8 THC-containing food products (e.g., brownies, gummies). Adverse events included vomiting, hallucinations, trouble standing, and loss of consciousness.

Can you overdose from Delta 8? ›

But a double dose comes with a host of potential issues, including overdose and a syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis, where long-term use might result in repeated, severe bouts of vomiting that can land people in the emergency room.

Is Delta 8 legal in Wisconsin? ›

Wisconsin has some strict cannabis laws, but they don't restrict Delta 8 THC! This means all Wisconsin residents 21 and up can buy Delta 8 products. Now, unless you live in the heart of a major city, it won't be easy to find Delta 8 stores near you.

Is delta-8 bad for your heart? ›

Some other adverse effects caused by delta-8 may include lethargy, uncoordinated movements, decreased psychom*otor activity, slurred speech, increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, sedation and coma, according to the CDC.

Can delta-8 cause permanent damage? ›

But an Emory doctor warns just one high from Delta-8 can cause permanent damage to your child's brain.

Who should not take delta-8? ›

Similar to cannabis, there are some serious risks of delta-8 THC use in some specific populations, including: Teenagers. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with serious mental health concerns.

Does delta-8 show up on drug tests? ›

Delta-8 is a form of THC. Drug tests often look for traces of delta-9, but delta-8 could show up as a positive for THC. Whether it's delta-8 or delta-9, people also react differently to cannabinoids, depending on the type of products they use and how long they use them for.

Is delta-8 safe to use daily? ›

The FDA released guidelines strongly warning against the consumption of delta-8 products in part because of the dangerous synthetics that can be used in its refinement from CBD. Synthetic conversion, the FDA said, can involve unsafe household chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

How many people have died from Delta-8? ›

Can I die from delta-8? A handful of deaths have been potentially linked to delta-8. According to a study published last January, the FDA collected reports of 22 deaths between 2018 and 2021 where delta-8 was present. It was the only substance found in four of the people who died.

Does Delta-8 raise blood pressure? ›

Delta 8 can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. This can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you have low blood pressure, Delta 8 may not be right for you. If you decide to try it, start with a small dose and see how you react.

Can Delta-8 cause liver damage? ›

Can Delta-8 Affect Your Liver? There are a variety of potential health risks, one of which includes possible liver damage. A primary concern around the use of delta-8 is the potential use of harmful chemicals to make delta-8 THC. These chemicals can negatively impact a person's health when inhaled or consumed.

What states are banning Delta 8? ›

Legality of delta-8 THC by state
StateRegulation Status
CaliforniaProhibited Outside Cannabis Channels
ColoradoProhibited
ConnecticutProhibited Outside Cannabis Channels
DelawareProhibited
46 more rows

Is it illegal to fly with Delta 8? ›

Is Delta-8 legal in airports? The TSA's rules describe how Delta-8 can be brought through airports as long as the Delta-9 THC content is less than 0.3% and that it is legal in both the departure and destination states.

Is Delta 8 a narcotic? ›

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says that both cannabinoids delta-8 and -9 THC-O, which have been growing in popularity in recent years, are to be considered illegal controlled substances.

Can delta-8 cause liver damage? ›

Can Delta-8 Affect Your Liver? There are a variety of potential health risks, one of which includes possible liver damage. A primary concern around the use of delta-8 is the potential use of harmful chemicals to make delta-8 THC. These chemicals can negatively impact a person's health when inhaled or consumed.

How many people have died from delta-8? ›

Can I die from delta-8? A handful of deaths have been potentially linked to delta-8. According to a study published last January, the FDA collected reports of 22 deaths between 2018 and 2021 where delta-8 was present. It was the only substance found in four of the people who died.

How long does delta-8 stay in your system? ›

Urine test

It can typically detect cannabis use up to 30 days after it was last used. A 2017 review found that cannabis may be detectable in urine for the following amounts of time: Single use: 3 days. Moderate use (four times per week): 5 to 7 days.

Is delta-8 THC FDA approved? ›

This warning letter instead shifts focus to the fact that FDA considers neither delta-8 THC nor CBD to be “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) food additives. FDA goes so far as to declare that products containing delta-8 THC “may pose a serious health risk to consumers.”

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