Alert: Insufficiently labeled Delta-8 THC products cause for concern
An uptick in the accidental ingestion of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) edibles by children and youth prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to release a health alert after many of those ingestions resulted in hospitalizations.
Consumers of cannabis products should be wary of insufficient labeling on products containing delta-8 THC, a psychoactive compound found in hemp that often comes in the forms of edibles, like gummies and chocolates, beverages, vapes, and tinctures. Once consumed, products containing delta-8 THC could cause unexpected health problems.
For cannabis licensees, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) issued an enforcement bulletin specifying that delta-8 products are not allowed in Washington’s regulated system. The bulletin stated:
- Processors are not allowed to convert cannabidiol (CBD) or hemp into delta-8 THC.
- Processors are not allowed to buy or sell delta-8 THC products not legally produced.
- Retailers should not knowingly purchase products from processors which contain delta-8 THC converted from CBD. Nor should retailers sell such products to consumers.
Delta-8 THC intoxication can cause adverse effects, especially in children. These effects include:
- Lethargy
- Uncoordinated movements and decreased psychomotor activity
- Slurred speech
- Increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Sedation
- Coma
Nationwide, from January to July 2021, 660 delta-8 THC exposures were recorded. 18% of exposures (119 of 661 cases) required hospitalization, and 39% (258 of 661 cases) involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age.
We recommend that:
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant in observing adult and children patients presenting with THC-like intoxication symptoms who do not report exposure to marijuana or a history of use. Symptomatic patients should be asked about their use of hemp, CBD, or delta-8 THC products.
- There is no specific antidote for THC intoxication. Treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive care. The ability to detect delta-8 THC with laboratory tests that hospitals use to detect delta-9 THC currently is not fully characterized. Consult with your hospital’s medical toxicologist or local poison control center for toxicology consultations on treatment.
- Poison control centers have a new code available to identify delta-8 THC exposures. For patients or providers reporting delta-8 THC consumption, poison control centers should use the American Association of Poison Control Centers code 310146 or product code 8297130 to indicate delta-8 THC exposure and aid in the continued surveillance of these exposures.
For the full list of recommendations for the public, public health departments, retailers, and healthcare providers read the CDC Health Alert.
For more information on cannabis and delta-8 THC:
If you have questions, please email Eloise Harris, public information officer.