Federal public health regulators recently issued warnings about the potential risks of cannabinoid delta-8 THC from hemp.
WASHINGTON — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued warnings about delta-8 THC from hemp last month. Delta-8 is a psychoactive compound that has grown in popularity but exists in what several people refer to as a growing grey regulatory space.
“The rise in delta-8 THC products in marijuana and hemp marketplaces has increased the availability of psychoactive cannabis products, even in states, territories, and tribal nations where non-medical adult cannabis use is not permitted under law,” notes a health advisory issued by the CDC on Sept. 14.
According to the CDC, delta-8 THC products have entered the national marketplace through the format of vapes and smokable hemp blends sprayed with delta-8 THC extracts, distillates, tinctures, gummies, chocolates, other edibles, and beverages.
“Because testing methods for products like synthetically derived delta-8 THC are still being developed, delta-8 THC products may not be tested systematically for contaminants such as heavy metals, solvents, or pesticides that may have adverse health effects,” notes the CDC’s health advisory.
The FDA issued similar guidance. FDA notes that delta-8 THC “is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant. As a result, concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).”
“It is important for consumers to be aware that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context,” said the FDA in the same guidance. “They may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk and should especially be kept out of reach of children and pets.”
New CDC Health Alert: Cannabis products containing delta-8 THC may have unclear & incomplete labeling, leaving consumers at risk. Learn more: https://t.co/dhlQs5DWOp#delta8 #THC pic.twitter.com/7UUsOzjWmk
— CDC Injury Center (@CDCInjury) September 14, 2021
.@CDCgov released an advisory to alert the public to the increased availability of cannabis products with Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the potential for adverse events related to insufficient labeling of products with Delta-8 THC. https://t.co/DwjMt0eP6Q
— ONDCP (@ONDCP) September 14, 2021
Read about @US_FDA’s new information on Delta-8 THC and potential health risks associated with products containing the psychoactive substance. https://t.co/03oh2hcAEp
— ONDCP (@ONDCP) September 14, 2021
“Consumers should be aware of possible limitations in the labeling of products containing THC and CBD even from approved marijuana and hemp retailers,” CDC said. “Products reporting only delta-9 THC concentration, but not total THC may underestimate the psychoactive potential for consumers.”
H/T: Marijuana Moment
