UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Health Services (UHS) and Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) caution students on the effects of using delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in light of recent national warnings.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning about a national increase in delta-8 THC products. Delta-8 THC is the psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. Concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and used in food products like gummies and brownies.
Rebecca Simcik, interim medical director at UHS, said delta-8 can cause a range of health effects, including vomiting, hallucinations and loss of consciousness. It also may cause individuals to behave in ways that harm themselves and others.
“Products that contain delta-8 THC can be simply labeled as CBD or hemp, so it's not always clear they have psychoactive ingredients,” Simcik said. “They are sold legally in stores within Pennsylvania and individuals mistake them for being safe since they are so easy to get.”
The FDA reported a recent increase in concerning emergency department visits by individuals who have consumed delta-8 THC. Here are key facts about delta-8 THC, according to the FDA:
Delta-8 THC products are not approved or regulated by the FDA. The FDA does not regulate these products and the safety of their use has not been evaluated. Any food product that is not regulated or approved by the FDA should be viewed with caution.
Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects. Delta-8 THC can produce psychoactive and intoxicating effects just like delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana. The adverse health effects include vomiting, hallucinations, trouble standing and loss of consciousness.
The production of delta-8 often includes harmful chemicals. The manufacturing process of products containing delta-8 often includes other chemicals to achieve higher cannabinoid levels. The use of these chemicals and the manufacturing byproducts can be harmful to one’s health. Manufacturing of delta-8 THC is likely to occur in uncontrolled and uninspected settings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recently alerted the public about the increase in availability of delta-8 THC products, as well as the uptick in related adverse events.
If you or someone you know experiences adverse effects from delta-8 THC, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately by calling 911 or going to the local emergency department. Calling the national, toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, can connect you to your local poison center and is your resource in a poisoning emergency. Penn State students should see their health care provider or schedule an appointment with UHS if they believe they have been affected.
In addition, students may utilize the University’s Marijuana Intervention Program (MIP) to explore their marijuana use with an HPW staff member in a nonjudgmental environment. Students who do not have a cannabis-related violation can use the MIP service for free.