NEWARK, N.J. – Amid rising concerns over the unregulated sale of Delta-8 THC products, experts like Bruce Ruck, managing director at the New Jersey Poison Control Center, stress the urgency for oversight. According to Ruck, incidents involving severe reactions to these products, which often mimic popular snacks, have escalated, posing significant risks to both adults and children.
Delta-8 THC, a chemical cousin of marijuana’s main psychoactive component, has been linked to multiple adverse health events, said Ruck. He reported approximately 16 cases this year at the Rutgers University New Jersey Medical School, where individuals experienced symptoms such as confusion and hallucinations, a marked increase from the previous year’s 45 cases.
“We’ve seen a distressing increase in hospital admissions after consumption of these items,” Ruck stated. “Regulating these products and restricting their sale to dispensaries could significantly reduce accidental intake among children and prevent purchases by those unaware of their effects.”
A particularly alarming episode involved a young teen from Gloucester County. After consuming a whole packet of Delta-8 infused gummies, the 14-year-old wandered into the woods, where he suffered a harrowing ordeal. “He was immobilized, experiencing what he described as an out-of-body experience, and was found, barely conscious, only after an extensive search that lasted overnight,” recounted Paul Moriarty, a local resident familiar with the case.
Federal agencies including the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration have stepped up enforcement efforts against companies misleading consumers with dangerously packaged Delta-8 products. One such company, Hippy Mood based in Levittown, received a warning for its products, “Frutti Rocks Delta-8 Cereal” and “Doweedos Delta-8 Edible Chips,” which violated federal regulations due to their misleading packaging resembling everyday snacks.
The deceptive marketing strategies of these products often incorporate well-known logos and branding from popular candies, adding to the potential for confusion among buyers, particularly young children. Ruck emphasized, “The resemblance of these products to common treats is uncanny, and it’s no surprise that they attract a younger crowd who may be oblivious to their true nature.”
Health officials have repeatedly warned that the psychoactive properties of Delta-8 mimic those of delta-9 THC, the substance primarily responsible for the high associated with marijuana, but remain keenly aware that many consumers may not fully appreciate the similarity or the potential dangers.
As incidents mount, the call for clear legislations grows louder among healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies. They argue that proper regulatory frameworks could mitigate these risks and ensure public safety by controlling the quality and availability of these potent products.
The findings and incidents reported underscore the escalating public health issue posed by Delta-8 products. Experts suggest that robust regulatory measures and widespread educational campaigns could be crucial steps towards safeguarding communities from the unforeseen impacts of these seemingly innocent products masquerading as everyday snacks.