Raising Awareness About Delta-8 THC: Risks & Misleading Marketing

A nationally representative survey conducted in 2023 found that approximately 11% of 12th-grade students across the United States reported using Delta-8 THC in the past year, while about 30% reported using marijuana.1 Closer to home, the 2023–24 California Healthy Kids Survey found that approximately 7% of 11th-grade students in San Diego County self-reported using marijuana products—whether by smoking, vaping, eating, or drinking—within the past 30 days.2

Delta-8 THC: Understand the Risks, Protect Your Health, and Take Action

Delta-8 THC products have been linked to adverse health effects, particularly due to their unregulated nature. Delta-8 THC products are not regulated and/or approved by the FDA. Many products contain harmful by-products from the chemical conversion process.

What is Delta-8 THC?

The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, including THC, which is found in the flower, seeds, and extracts. THC is psychoactive, meaning it can impair or alter the mind, causing a “high” and negatively affecting brain development. Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While Delta-9 THC is the primary intoxicating compound in marijuana, Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in small amounts and is often synthetically produced from cannabidiol (CBD). CBD does not cause a “high,” however can be chemically converted into delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and other THC forms, using a solvent, acid, and heat to create higher concentrations. This conversion process may produce harmful by-products that are not yet well understood.

Delta-8 THC products are becoming more common in both marijuana and hemp markets, as well as online, often marketed as “weed light” or “diet weed.” While marketed as a “lighter” or “milder” alternative to Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC still produces psychoactive effects and may pose serious health risks, especially due to the lack of regulation and oversight in its production.

Now is the time to take action—learn the risks, spread awareness, and protect yourself and your community.

 Health Risks and Safety Concerns: Know the Dangers, Stay Safe!

Copycat Delta-8 THC Products Pose Safety Risks

The growing presence of Delta-8 THC products designed to mimic everyday snacks and candies has raised serious safety concerns, particularly for youth. In response, federal agencies took action—most notably in July 2023, when the FDA and FTC issued joint cease-and-desist letters to companies marketing these copycat products, citing the significant risks they pose to consumers, especially minors. While this marked an important step forward, enforcement has proven challenging. Despite federal warnings, these deceptive Delta-8 products continue to be sold across California, often slipping through regulatory gaps due to limited federal oversight and inconsistent enforcement at the local level.

In California, Delta-8 THC is legal but regulated under the state’s cannabis laws. It is sold through licensed dispensaries as part of the adult-use market. However, its accessibility and the misleading packaging of some products continue to raise public health concerns. Legal does not always mean safe. Delta-8 THC products can pose serious risks due to contamination, inconsistent potency, and misleading labeling.

Delta-8 THC products often look like common food products -candy, gummies, snacks or chocolates—posing a severe risk of accidental ingestion.

Take Action: Protect Yourself & Your Community

Be the Voice of Change!

✔ Stay Informed – Knowledge is power. Learn about Delta-8 THC and its risks.
✔ Spread Awareness – Share this information with your family, friends, and community.
✔ Keep Out of Reach – Prevent accidental poisoning by securing cannabis-related products away from children and pets.

Your actions can save lives! Take a stand, spread awareness, and help create a safer community.

Resources:

Footnote