New study finds increase in exposures to synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols among young children, teens, and adults
07 May 2024
A sharp rise in exposures to synthetic cannabis products among youth -- some leading to hospitalization -- highlights the need for increased education around the dangers of exposure and increased focus on safe storage and packaging.
A sharp rise in exposures to synthetic cannabis products among youth -- some leading to hospitalization -- highlights the need for increased education around the dangers of exposure and increased focus on safe storage and packaging, according to pediatricians and researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center.
A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center examined trends in calls to poison centers across the country for exposures to different types of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THC-O acetate. These products are often referred to as "diet weed" or "hemp products," which leads to a misperception that they are safer alternatives to the more regulated and more abundant delta-9 THC.
The study, published in Clinical Toxicology, found increases in the number of exposures in multiple age groups, with unintentional ingestions by young children being especially concerning.
"Many people don't realize how toxic these products can be, especially to young children. One in four children needed to be hospitalized after exposure," said Hannah Hays, MD, co-author of the study, medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center and faculty of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's. "If someone vapes, smokes, eats edibles or drinks infused beverages with delta-8, delta-10 THC or THC-O, all of those products should be stored up, away, and out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked container. These products should never be used in front of kids who might mistake them for food or drinks that they are allowed to have."
Data Highlights
According to the study:
Safe Storage
Pediatricians and other health care providers should continue to counsel patients and their families about the potential dangers of these products and the importance of safe storage practices, experts recommend:
Safe packaging
Study investigators also highlight inconsistent regulations of these products from state to state. Because the United States Food and Drug Administration currently does not regulate manufacturing of these products, contaminants such as heavy metals, solvents or pesticides may be found in them and may not be listed on product packaging. In addition, in many states, these products may not have the packaging or labeling requirements that delta-9 THC products have.
While at least 14 states have banned or regulated the sale of these products, they are still available to the public online and in locations like gas stations and small convenience stores. In many places, there may be little to no regulation, with retailers often setting their own minimum purchasing age.
"The current patchwork of state regulations has led to an environment that allows for easily available products that may have unlisted contaminants, inaccurate labels and packaging that can be appealing to children" said Christopher Gaw, MD, co-author of the study, pediatric emergency medicine physician and faculty member of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's. "We need clearer regulation of these products with better oversight and enforcement."
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