A new substance is making headlines for its growing popularity among youth.

A nationwide study of high school seniors, published in JAMA and based on information from the Monitoring the Future study, found that more than 11% of teens used delta-8 THC in the past year. The study’s team and other substance use experts have expressed surprise at how prevalent the substance is and its dangerous potential.

The study also found that, of students who reported using delta-8 in the past year, more than 68% used it at least three times, and more than 35% used it at least ten times. This indicates that most young users are returning to delta-8 rather than “just” experimenting.

We have compiled the most current FAQs about delta-8 cannabis products that you need to know:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is delta-8 THC? Is it marijuana?

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance found in cannabis sativa. Marijuana and hemp are varieties of the cannabis sativa plant. Delta-8 THC is related to delta-9 THC, the main substance in marijuana that results in a “high.”

Delta-8 entered the market in 2018 and is mainly consumed in the form of vapes and edibles, like gummy candies and cookies – making it a product that can be easily marketed to youth.

Is delta-8 THC legal?

Delta-8 currently operates in a legal gray area. It’s legal in some states and banned or restricted in others. Most states where delta-8 is legal typically have no age restrictions for buying or using the substance, and most states also do not have laws or regulations about the labeling of delta-8 products.

A law went into effect in summer 2023 that banned the buying and selling of delta-8 in Virginia. However, it is still extremely easy for anyone – even children – to purchase delta-8 online. Numerous online retailers ship the product to Virginia and do not require age verification.

Differing regulations between states also pose a risk: Virginia teens could travel to bordering states where the substance is legal to buy and sell, which include Maryland, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

Is delta-8 THC dangerous for youth?

While much research has been done on marijuana, not much is known about delta-8 and its effects on youth. Researchers are concerned that delta-8 has similar risks as marijuana. Using weed as a teen may put your brain development at risk and impair neurological functions like decision-making, coordination, motivation, and dependence.

Delta-8 has not been evaluated or approved as safe by the FDA. Plus, since it is not regulated, it is almost impossible for users to know exactly what they are consuming or if it is safe.

One danger that is unique to delta-8 THC is that it takes a long time for its effects to be felt, especially when consumed as an edible. Young, inexperienced users often take huge quantities without realizing – then suffer terrible side effects when the full dose hits at once.

In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported receiving more than 2,300 delta-8 exposure cases in a fourteen-month period. More than 40% of those cases involved patients under 18.

How is delta-8 THC marketed?

Companies that sell delta-8 took inspiration from tobacco and nicotine manufacturers and market their products with colorful packaging and sugary flavors, making them appealing to kids.

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission and FDA spoke out about delta-8 edibles that mimic the packaging of real snacks. Many of these products do not make it sufficiently obvious that they contain a psychoactive substance. This kind of marketing appeals to older kids and teens. It also poses a tremendous risk of young children mistaking the product for normal candy and accidentally consuming dangerous quantities of the substance.

Delta-8 is also sometimes advertised as “lite weed” or “diet weed,” falsely implying it is safer than marijuana.

We will continue to keep you informed about Delta-8 products as new information comes to light.

---