FDA And CDC Issue Warning On Delta-8 – Cannabis & Hemp

On September 14, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
released warnings on the potentially hazardous side effects of the
controversial cannabinoid Delta-8 THC. With nearly identical
properties to Delta-9 THC but with less psychotropic effect,
businesses in the hemp space have been able to tiptoe around
states’ restrictive marijuana laws by offering products with
this compound.

Being one of the fastest-growing segments of the hemp market,
both the FDA and CDC recognized its increasing availability and
considerable rise in reported harmful health effects from users.
According to the federal health regulators, the consumption of
Delta-8 THC products has resulted in the hospitalization of more
than 100 people in the US and more than 600 phone calls to local
poison control centers as of September 2021.

Both the FDA and CDC note that in addition to the increase of
reports of adverse effects, the factors that went into notifying
the public of these concerns include the possible contamination
that can take place in the manufacturing of Delta-8 THC products,
and misleading marketing and labeling.

The CDC warned that the effects of Delta-8 THC are similar to
those observed during the use of Delta-9 THC, despite being
advertised as “diet weed” or “weed light.”
Noted similar affects include lethargy, uncoordinated movements,
slurred speech, increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart
rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, sedation and
coma.

Due to this new warning, we may expect federal agencies such as
the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to
establish a regulatory or enforcement response to the proliferation
of Delta-8 THC in the near future.

If you have specific questions about federal and state hemp
regulation policies, please consult with a member of Michael
Best’s Cannabis Practice Group. Whether you’re looking to
start, operate, grow, or invest in a hemp-related business line,
we’ve got you covered.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.