The official site of America's Poison Centers.

If an individual has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, call 911 immediately.

Delta-8 THC Poisoning

What is Delta-8 THC?

The Cannabis Sativa plant contains hundreds of naturally occurring cannabinoids. The major cannabinoids in the plant are the psychoactive delta-9 THC and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid most responsible for producing the “high” from cannabis. Similarly, Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring minor cannabinoid in the cannabis plant that is described as having half the “high” of delta-9 THC (marijuana).
 

Why is Delta-8 THC Poisoning Trending?

In 2021, CDC issued a health advisory regarding the increased availability of cannabis products containing delta-8 THC. These products may be sold legally in hemp or marijuana marketplaces and have been marketed as “weed light”. Delta-8 THC is in a number of products including edibles, extracts and vapes. FDA has not evaluated or approved delta-8 THC products for safe use. Since Delta-8 THC is found in such small quantities is the cannabis plant, it is often chemically made from CBD. As such, these products may contain other cannabinoids, terpenes, or chemical contaminants that are not on the product label.

Poison Centers have managed 8,750 number of cases since 2021.
 

 

 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Delta-8 THC Poisoning?

Even though Delta-8 is marketed as having less of a high than regular cannabis, products often contain large doses which can cause similar effects to cannabis overdose. Similar to cannabis, children are more likely to experience severe toxicity from delta-8 THC poisoning. Symptoms include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion/hallucinations
  • Uncoordinated movements, difficulty walking

 

Severe toxicity has been associated with changes in heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and coma.
 

Treatment and First Aid

If you suspect someone is experiencing a life-threatening delta-8 THC poisoning:

  • Call 911 immediately if the person has stopped breathing or is unable to respond

 

If someone is breathing and responsive:

  • Call Poison Help 800-222-1222 for specific recommendations

 

Prevention

Take these steps to prevent delta-8 THC poisoning:
– Don’t purchase edible delta-8 THC products that look like other common branded food products your child may be used to eating or drinking.
– Choose products packaged in child resistant containers.
– Store products up, away and out of reach when not in use. Consider keeping them in a medication lock-box or locking cabinet.
 

Take Action

For questions about delta-8 THC or delta-8 THC poisoning call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. From product related questions, to concerns about signs and symptoms of potential overdose, Poison Help staff are ready and available, 24/7/365, free of cost, for emergencies and non-emergencies.
 

For the Media

Please cite this data as “National Poison Data System, America’s Poison Centers.” Any and all print, digital, social, or visual media using this data must include the following: “You can reach your local poison center by calling Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. To save the number in your mobile phone, test POISON to 301-597-7137.” Email Media@PoisonCenters.org or call 703-894-1863 for more information, questions, or to submit a data request.