Delta-8 and its online availability to minors raises concerns

For release: 12:01 a.m. ET Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 

AAP media contacts: Lisa Black, 630-626-6084, lblack@aap.org 

Tom McPheron, 630-626-6315, tmcpheron@aap.org  

                               Adam Alexander, 630-626-6765, aalexander@aap.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Delta-8 is a substance that produces a high akin to THC. While THC is a federally banned substance, delta-8 is technically a different chemical and is therefore not federally banned. New research suggests the growing popularity of delta-8 is largely rooted in how delta-8 companies market the product to minors. 

The study abstract “Delta-8 Disaster: Exploring the Market for the Synthetic Cannabinoid Delta-8 and Its Availability to Minors Online” – presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2023 National Conference and Exhibition – shows that young people are more likely to try the substance when it comes in colorful packaging. 

“What is of utmost concern to me regarding Delta-8 products is the fact that delta-8 distributors appear to be competing with each other to produce packaging that will attract the attention of adolescents,” said Ruth Milanaik, MD, FAAP, associate professor of pediatrics at the Zucker School of Medicine, and principal investigator of this study. “It is vital that more regulations are put in place to ensure that these products are not appealing to teens.” 

The vibrant colors and cartoonish imagery on some packages are just part of the appeal. Cheap prices and the variety of ways delta-8 can be consumed make it an attractive alternative to THC. There is also far less regulation of delta-8 compared to THC. 

Researchers say despite safety claims, delta-8 can contain toxic by-products and intermediates. Minors may underestimate its strength and potential danger. In fact, 77% of cases of accidental delta-8 exposures in 2021 involved minors. The lack of age verification from users looking to purchase delta-8 products is also a major concern. 

The study suggests clinicians should talk with their teen patients about the dangers of delta-8, and policymakers should do more to regulate online delta-8 distributors. 

The authors are scheduled to present their research from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Oct 22 during session H3013. For an interview, contact Ruth Milanaik, MD, FAAP, at rmilanai@northwell.edu or 516-802-6100. 

In addition, Dr. Milanaik will give a brief presentation and be available for interviews during a press conference between noon-1 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 21 in the National Conference Press Room 102AB. During the meeting, you may reach AAP media relations staff in the press room. 

Please note: only the abstract is being presented at the meeting. In some cases, the researcher may have more data available to share with media, or may be preparing a longer article for submission to a journal.   

# # #  

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org. Reporters can access the meeting program and other relevant meeting information through the AAP meeting website at http://www.aapexperience.org/ 

ABSTRACT 

Program Name: AAP National Conference & Exhibition 

Submission Type: Section on Adolescent Health 

Abstract Title: Delta-8 Disaster: Exploring the Market for the Synthetic Cannabinoid Delta-8 and Its Availability to Minors Online 

Abhi Grewal 

New York, NY, United States 

Delta-8 THC (D8) is a cannabinoid that is nearly identical in structure and effects to traditional THC. D8 is synthetically produced for mass consumption and, despite safety claims, has been found to contain toxic by-products and intermediates. Since D8 is not traditional THC, minors may underestimate its strength and potential danger. In fact, 77% of cases of accidental D8 exposures in 2021 were minors. Although traditional THC is a federally banned substance, D8 is legal on a federal level and less restricted on a state by state basis, making it easier for individuals to acquire D8. It is important to explore the online market for D8 to analyze ease of purchase and marketing to minors. 

45 websites selling D8 were identified and examined. The following data was collected: 1) age verification questions; 2) third-party age verification; 3) if edibles, smoke products, or tinctures are sold; 4) price of cheapest product; 5) dosage of cheapest product; 6) kid-friendly packaging; 7) flavors; 8) marketing claims; 9) warning statements. 

45 websites met inclusion criteria. 36% (n=16) did not ask for customers’ age. 96% (n=43) lacked formal third-party age verification procedures. 98% (n=44) of websites sold D8 edibles, 82% (n=37) sold D8 smoking/vaping products, and 42% (n=19) sold D8 tinctures, which is concentrated D8 mixed with oil and consumed orally. 33% (n=15) of websites’ cheapest products were $0.00-5.00, 31% (n=14) were $5.01-10.00, 16% (n=7) were $10.01-20.00, 9% (n=4) were $20.01-30.00, 2% (n=1) were $30.01-40.00, and 9% (n=4) were $40.01 or more. Of the cheapest products on each website, 9% (n=4) contained 20-30 mg of D8, 2% (n=1) contained 31-40 mg, 22% (n=10) contained 41-50 mg, 47% (n=21) contained 51 or more mg, and 20% (n=9) didn’t report a dosage. 53% (n=24) sold D8 in kid-friendly packaging (See Figure 1). 24% (n=11) of websites did not include D8 warnings/disclosures. 

The lack of age verification before allowing users to purchase D8 products is extremely concerning. The low prices, high dosages available, and eye-popping packaging makes these products extremely attractive to teens who are looking for a high. Clinicians should talk with their teen patients about the dangers of D8. Policymakers must also more strictly regulate D8 distributors online to verify that they have sufficient age verification procedures in place and to limit them from selling their products in kid-friendly packaging. 

# # #