Government » Health & Human Services » Public Health » Marijuana

Delta-8 THC

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print
What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol), or Delta-8 for short, is a psychoactive cannabis compound with intoxicating effects.  Delta-8 naturally occurs in the hemp plant in trace amounts. However, it is now being synthetically derived in larger quantities and added into commercial products.  Delta-8 THC can be found as gummies, loose leaf bud, vapes, cookies, chips, beverages and many other products.  Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products are legal at the federal level, however, this does not impact the control status of THC or other synthetically derived cannabinoids.  This means Delta-8 THC remains a controlled substance regardless of the source.  Massachusetts prohibits the sale and manufacture of any hemp-derived Delta-8 products within the Commonwealth. 

delta8

What are the health risks?

Delta-8 products have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safe use in any context.  Consumers should be aware that the manufacturing of Delta-8 products may occur in uncontrolled or unsanitary settings and may result in contamination of the product. 

Delta-8 products often involve the use of potentially harmful chemicals in order to create the concentrations of Delta-8 commercial products.  National Poison Control Centers reported 2,362 exposure cases of Delta-8 products between January 2021 - February 2022.  Pediatric patients under 18 years of age were involved in 41% of the cases.

Delta-8 products may be marketed in a way that puts public health at risk, and may appeal to children with images of flavors, gummies, chocolates, candies, cereal, cartoons, etc.  Delta-8 products should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.  There is growing concern about the increasing popularity of Delta-8 products, especially among youth.  More than 1 in 10 high school seniors in the United States reported use of Delta-8 products in 2023.  For more information on Delta-8 products visit the resources below.