You may have heard about “delta-8 THC” or “hemp-derived THC” products appearing in stores. While these products may seem harmless due to their “hemp” label, they are not the traditional hemp you might know.
What Are Intoxicating Hemp Products?
Unlike traditional hemp products, these products are specifically processed to create intoxicating effects. Hemp does not naturally contain enough THC to cause a “high” feeling. However, through chemical processes, it is possible to concentrate enough hemp from THC to be intoxicating. These concentrated forms of THC are what’s in all these new products.
For more background information on hemp, check out our blog Hemp-Derived THC: The Basics
Safety Concerns
Here are some of the key safety issues:
- These products haven’t been thoroughly researched, and may contain unknown chemicals from the production process.
- Despite often being marketed as a “lighter high” some products contain high amounts of THC. High potency THC is connected to more serious side effects as well as increased risk of dependency
- Serious side effects have been reported, including nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and dizziness.
Why Teens Are At Risk
The marketing of these products can be misleading. Hemp-derived products are often portrayed as mild or harmless, so teens may see them as a “safer” alternative to traditional cannabis products. The packaging of many products deliberately targets teens, sometimes even by mimicking popular candies, snacks, or sodas. There are also no packaging regulations, so products may lack complete ingredient information.
The Legal Gray Area
Hemp-derived THC products are not currently regulated in the same way as other THC products. Manufacturers exploit these legal loopholes to produce and sell these products.
The most concerning part? These products are often sold in everyday locations like gas stations and convenience stores.
In California, emergency measures have been passed to address some of the gaps in regulation. The emergency order restricts hemp product sales to people 21 and over, while also putting limits on THC amounts and serving sizes in hemp products.
Even with the new legislation, non-compliant hemp products remain available to teenagers in stores. Since they were previously sold without age restrictions, teens may be unaware that purchasing them is now illegal.
What Parents Can Do
Have an honest talk with your child about hemp products. Make sure they understand the difference between traditional hemp and intoxicating hemp products. Let them know why you’re concerned about their safety. Make sure they understand that just because these products are easy to buy in stores or online, it doesn’t make them safe or legal for young people to use.
By talking about these things openly and honestly, you’re building trust and helping your child make informed decisions. If you’d like some tips on starting these conversations, check out our blog on how to be an askable parent.