How Dangerous Is Delta-8 THC? Virginia Middle Schoolers Ill After Ingesting Gummies

Substance abuse among young Americans diminished significantly over the past three decades but consumption of cannabis and use of vape pens continue to remain popular. On Thursday, seven students from Liberty Middle School in Fairfax County, Virginia, turned sick after apparent ingestion of Delta 8 THC gummies.

Students experienced symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and slurred speech. Three of them needed to be taken to the hospital while others were treated at school or sent home with their families, NBC Washington reported.

While it wasn't immediately clear as to who purchased or distributed the gummies, it's important to know that Delta-8 THC products are not tested or approved by the FDA for safe use, and may be marketed in a way that could pose danger to the public safety.

What is Delta-8 THC?

There are more than 100 cannabinoids, a group of substances produced naturally by the cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties. THC and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two main cannabinoids.

Delta-8 THC is present in low amounts in the cannabis plant, hence manufacturers derive concentrated amounts of it from CBD.

Delta-8 THC products are produced using harmful chemicals

To achieve the desired concentration of Delta-8 THC in products, certain manufacturers possibly use household chemicals during the chemical synthesis process.

The manufacture of these substances may occur in uncontrolled surroundings or unsanitary settings, which could lead to product contamination and in turn harm the user.

Delta-8 THC users have ended up in the hospital

Between Dec. 1, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2022, the FDA received 104 adverse events reports in patients who consumed Delta-8 THC products. Among this group, 77% were adults, 8% were kids under 18, and the ages of 15% of the patients were undefined.

55% of patients needed emergency medical services or hospitalization. In this group, 66% fell sick after consuming food items that contained Delta-8 THC such as brownies, gummies, etc. Symptoms included hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Chemists concerned by Delta-8 THC product craze

Chemists have flagged Delta-8 THC products after finding several unidentified compounds in them. "My concern is that we have no idea what these products are. Consumers are being used as guinea pigs. To me, that's horrific," said Christopher Hudalla, president and chief scientific officer of ProVerde Labs, reported c&en.

Kyle Boyar, a staff research associate at the University of California San Diego's Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research weighed in on the dangers. Some of the manufacturers are untrained and get their information from online forums, Boyar said.

Greg Gerdeman, CEO and President of Nashville Commodities Exchange seconded the experimentation claims. "It can make you really high," he said, even though Delta-8 is less potent than Delta-9 THC, found in marijuana. "It's just a matter of dose. Another issue is, How many of these products have way more Delta-9 in them than they say?" he added.

What to do in case of accidental exposure or adverse effects?

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if one is experiencing severe side effects or sensing danger to their health. It's encouraged to report complaints and cases of accidental exposure. To do so, call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.

One can choose to do it online, and a form is available here. A reporting form can also be requested by calling 1-800-332-1088. The same can be returned to the address on the form or faxed to 1-800-FDA-0178. To report adverse events in animals, fill up and submit Form FDA 1932.