US High School Seniors' Delta-8 Usage Raises Public Health Concerns, Study Finds

High school seniors are increasingly using delta-8, a cannabis compound often marketed as "light THC" or a legal alternative to marijuana. This trend is particularly noticeable in states where adult use of marijuana is not yet legal.

Delta-8 THC, short for delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is just one of over 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. It is similar to delta-9 THC, the main compound in marijuana that produces a high. However, delta-8 is less potent and subject to fewer legal restrictions, while still affecting the brain in a similar way.

GARLAND, TX-JULY 22: DELTA 8 supplements on a shelf inside Hippy Bee Dispensary on Saturday, July 22 2023 in Garland, TX. The Bee Hippy Hemp Dispensary was raided along with the homes of Chris Fagan and David Dranguet an employee at the store by Garland police along with members of the DEA who claim the dispensary was selling hemp with illegal amounts of THC. (Sergio Flores for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

On July 22, in Garland, TX, you could find DELTA 8 supplements displayed on a shelf at the Hippy Bee Dispensary. The dispensary, owned by Chris Fagan, and the home of David Dranguet, an employee, were raided by Garland police and DEA agents. They claimed that the dispensary was selling hemp products with illegal levels of THC.

Sergio Flores for The Washington Post/Getty Images

Related article

Experts warn that delta-8 THC products can still pose risks, despite a false sense of security among consumers. In most states where delta-8 is legal, there are no age restrictions for purchasing these products. A recent study published in the journal JAMA suggests that the increasing number of teens using delta-8 could be a potential public health issue.

Study author Dr. Adam Leventhal from the USC Institute for Addiction Science expressed that prior to this study, the extent to which these products are reaching teens was unknown. This was concerning as there was a lack of comprehensive regulation in place.

Delta-8 is available in various forms that may attract young individuals, such as gummies, chocolate, cookies, vaping cartridges, sodas, and even breakfast cereals. Additionally, Delta-8 is easily obtainable as it is sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and online, rather than solely at age-restricted dispensaries.

For their latest research, the scientists analyzed information gathered from the Monitoring the Future in-school survey, which took place all over the United States from February to June 2023. This survey is an ongoing national study that looks at the behaviors and beliefs of teenagers on various subjects. The researchers began by looking at the use of delta-8 in 2023.

Out of the 2,186 twelfth-grade students who participated in the study, 11.4% admitted to using delta-8 THC within the past year. Despite the fact that marijuana is illegal for individuals under the age of 18, 30.4% of the participants disclosed that they had used it.

Of the 295 students who said they had used delta-8 in the past year, a large majority, 68.1%, used it at least three times. Additionally, 35.4% had used it at least 10 times, and almost 17% had used it at least 40 times. Nearly 91% of delta-8 users also reported using weed.

The Federal Trade Commission today sent cease and desist letters -- jointly with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -- to six companies currently marketing edible products containing Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in packaging that is almost identical to many snacks and candy children eat

The Federal Trade Commission, in partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has taken action by sending cease and desist letters to six companies. These companies are currently selling edible products that contain Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in packaging that closely resembles popular snacks and candies that children often consume.

Related article

FTC, FDA crack down on companies selling copycat snacks containing Delta-8 THC

Teens in the South and the Midwest, as well as in states where marijuana is not legal for adults, showed higher usage of delta-8, according to the study. White teens were found to be more inclined to use delta-8 and marijuana compared to other races or ethnicities. Additionally, the study revealed that slightly more boys than girls reported using both weed and delta-8.

Eleven percent of people using delta-8 is a significant number. This means that in an average-sized high school class, there could be at least one or two students using this drug. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, emphasized the importance of understanding the risks associated with these drugs, especially since they are easily accessible to teens. She also highlighted the negative impacts of cannabis use on the adolescent brain, stressing the need for education on the risks and access to treatment for those who need it.

In response to the 11% statistic, Leventhal described it as a "very high" number, further emphasizing the need for awareness and action regarding teen drug use.

"We were surprised by how high it was, and it worried us when we looked at the data," he mentioned.

The study does have a few limitations. It doesn't cover teenagers in all states, and only surveys those currently attending school. Since most participants were around 17 years old, the study might not accurately reflect the number of younger teens using delta-8.

On April 20, 2018, a 420 Day celebration took place on 'Hippie Hill' in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. It was the first year that marijuana was legal for recreational use in California. Thousands of marijuana enthusiasts gathered to celebrate 420 day, which is considered a holiday for marijuana advocates. The event included large gatherings and 'smoke outs' in various parts of the United States.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 20: A marijuana plant is displayed during a 420 Day celebration on 'Hippie Hill' in Golden Gate Park on April 20, 2018 in San Francisco, California. In the first year that marijuana is legal for recreational use in California, thousands of marijuana enthusiasts gathered in Golden Gate Park to celebrate 420 day, the de facto holiday for marijuana advocates, with large gatherings and 'smoke outs' in many parts of the United States. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

video

Related video

More people use weed than tobacco in the US, poll reveals (2022)

The authors suggest that their research may not accurately reflect the true number of children using these drugs. A recent editorial published alongside the study expressed concerns about the increasing use of delta-8 among students.

According to Drs. Jennifer Whitehill, Kelly Dunn, and Renee Johnson from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Johns Hopkins University, the widespread availability of Δ8-THC poses a potential risk to public health. They emphasize that the findings on Δ8-THC usage patterns should be a warning sign, as the next cannabinoid to hit the market may not have such mild effects.

Delta-8 use has raised concerns among public health officials and politicians, leading to bans in 17 states and severe restrictions in seven more as of November, as reported by the National Cannabis Industry Association.

Scientists are still unsure about the effects of delta-8 on teens. There are no extensive medical studies that show how it affects the body, especially in young individuals who are still in the developmental stage. Previous research on marijuana has indicated that it can have negative impacts on teens' memory, attention, and learning abilities.

Leventhal mentioned that there are concerns related to biology, such as addiction and neurodevelopmental changes in adolescents due to exposure to substances like marijuana.

Sign up for CNN Health's weekly newsletter to stay updated on the latest health news.

Sign up here to receive The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Tuesday from the CNN Health team.

The FDA oversees drug products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds similar to how it regulates other pharmaceutical and medical products. However, it does not regulate delta-8, making it unclear what exactly is in each specific product.

There are signs that the use of delta-8 is increasing and leading to issues. According to a recent report, calls to America's Poison Centers regarding delta-8 products increased by 82% from 2021 to 2022. In 2022, there were 3,358 exposures managed. These calls typically involve two groups: children who have unknowingly consumed the products and adults who experienced negative reactions.

Editor's P/S:

The alarming rise in delta-8 use among high school seniors is a cause for concern. Its easy accessibility and marketing as