The study found that 69.8% of the reported exposures occurred in the southern United States.
States that prohibit marijuana use are experiencing significantly higher rates of adverse events related to delta-8 THC products, according to a new study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Researchers from Ohio State University’s College of Medicine analyzed 4,925 incidents involving delta-8 THC reported to U.S. poison control centers from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2022. The study found that 69.8% of the reported exposures occurred in the southern United States.
The rate of exposure per 100,000 people increased by 79.2% from 0.53 in 2021 to 0.95 in 2022. In 2022, states where cannabis use was illegal had a mean rate of 1.64 delta-8 THC exposures per 100,000 population, versus 0.52 in states where cannabis use was legal.
“The rate of ∆8-THC exposures reported to PCs was significantly lower among states where ∆8-THC was banned and among states where cannabis use was legal,” the study concluded.
Lack of direct regulation for delta-8 THC also increased the adverse events, resulting in a mean rate of 1.36 exposures per 100,000 population, versus 0.17 in states where products with the cannabinoid was outright banned.
Delta-8 THC is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that has gained popularity in recent years, especially in states where traditional marijuana remains prohibited. However, such products are largely unregulated and can vary greatly in potency and purity.
While most delta-8 THC exposures (52%) were treated and released, 15.5% required admission to either a noncritical care unit or critical care unit. Children under 6 years old accounted for 50% of noncritical care admissions and 57.8% of critical care admissions.
The study found that 38.6% of exposures resulted in minor effects, 35.6% in moderate effects, and 2.9% in major effects. One fatality involving a 2-year-old boy was reported, though details are pending further review.
“Consistent regulation of ∆8-THC across all states should be adopted,” the study’s authors recommended.
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