The world of cannabinoids is quickly evolving. Recently, Delta-8 has been in the spotlight, as Congress debates the House Farm Bill, which proposes prohibiting “the commercial production, sale, and distribution of certain intoxicating hemp derivatives and products.” In Pennsylvania, it is currently legal to grow hemp.
While CBD derived hemp and Delta-8 derived hemp might be legal, marijuana derived edibles are illegal – even with a medical card.
Hemp and marijuana are both derived from the same species of plant. Therefore, people often assume that these plants are the same. The major difference is that hemp is a mixture of male and female cannabis plants, and its flowers produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of the plant (Truth Initiative).
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is marketed as an ingredient in many consumer products, including supplements, foods, oils, and lotions. CBD is not intoxicating like THC. However, it may have side effects including drowsiness, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea (NIDA).
Research continues to determine the side effects and dangers of using Delta-8 products. Some states have already passed legislation banning the use of all Delta-8 products.
Delta-8 is a hemp-derived compound that refers to Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive substance found naturally in hemp.
While Delta-8 is similar to the Delta-9 THC found in cannabis, it produces less of a high. However, Delta-8 is now synthesized to produce euphoric states similar to Delta-9. Primary methods of consumption of Delta-8 include vape liquids, edibles, cannabis oils, and capsules.
Delta-8 can cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Delta-10 is another hemp-derived compound that creates less of a “high” than Delta-8. Delta-10 is also reported to have energizing effects compared to Delta-8’s more sedative effects. The primary method of Delta-10 consumption is vape cartridges and edibles.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is created from CBD extracted from hemp and is primarily consumed in the form of vape cartridges. Manufacturers state that the “high” experience from HHC is similar to a Delta-8 high, implying it is more subdued than traditional Delta-9. However, there is a lack of consensus on the potency of HHC.
Synthetic cannabinoids, which are lab-made substances that are chemically similar to compounds found in the cannabis plant, can produce serious negative health effects. These products, which are also known as Spice or K2, may have a much higher concentration of THC and can be much more powerful. Use of synthetic cannabinoids is associated with severe, potentially life-threatening health effects (NIDA).
Marijuana edibles (like gummies, chocolates, candies, baked goods, ice cream, popcorn, sodas) often look like regular treats. THC food products often are made to closely resemble popular brand name candy and snacks. The packaging may be nearly identical, with the name slightly changed (think “KeefKat” or “Pot Tart”).
There has been a reported rise in the number of kids unintentionally consuming marijuana products. This is especially true in the growing number of states where marijuana has been legalized. In fact, the rates of unintentional poisoning by cannabis edibles in children younger than 6 years old rose 1,375% between 2017 and 2021. Two-year-olds accounted for the largest share of children exposed (28%), followed by 3-year-olds (25%).
