Delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant. Delta-8 is like the delta-9 compound but slightly different. Since delta-8 is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant, concentrated amounts are typically manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). Delta-8 THC comes in many forms. You can find it in vapes, tinctures, gummies, capsules, concentrates, distillates, and even pre-rolled joints. It is touted as having less cognitive effects and being less likely to cause anxiety and paranoia compared to a THC-rich weed strain, according to the Center for the Advancement of Health (CFAH).

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The FDA warns that these delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context. The FDA is concerned about the way in which the product has been marketed and how this could put the public health at risk. Here are the five things the FDA wants consumers to know about delta-8 THC:
1) Delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use and may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk.
2) The FDA has received adverse event reports involving delta-8 THC-containing products.
3) Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects.
4) Delta-8 THC products often involve use of potentially harmful chemicals to create the concentrations of delta-8 THC claimed in the marketplace.
5) Delta-8 THC products should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

If you’d like to read more about each of these warnings, see resource number one below for the FDA’s announcement. The reason this warning was issued in May 2022 was due to the number of adverse events reported to the FDA and poison control centers related to delta-8 THC. They are also concerned about the marketing and manufacturing of these products and want the public to be aware for their safety. If you need to report an adverse event to any product, see resource one to find the section on “How to report complaints and cases of accidental exposure or adverse events”.

Resources:

1) https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
2) https://cfah.org/what-is-delta-8-thc/