Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary

Area of Science:

• Cannabinoid Science
• Public Health
• Regulatory Science

Background:

• Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has gained popularity following the 2018 US Farm Bill.
• Research on delta-8 THC is limited, with many sources being anecdotal or non-peer-reviewed.
• Understanding its implications for public health and safety is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on delta-8 THC.
• To summarize research on its legality, use, synthesis, and retail.
• To identify public health and safety implications.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of 103 documents from academic databases and general search engines.
• Analysis of themes including legality, use patterns, synthesis, and retail.
• Independent coding of 20% of documents to ensure categorization accuracy.

Main Results:

• Most research is preclinical (animal/cell models) or focuses on chemical identification.
• Delta-8 THC is used as a substitute for other substances, with reported negative consequences.
• Products lack federal age restrictions, are easily accessible online, and are often marketed to youth.
• Lack of synthesis regulations leads to contamination and inconsistent product effects, with thousands of poison control calls from minors.

Conclusions:

• Current delta-8 THC research is predominantly anecdotal and lacks human subject data.
• Nationally representative studies are needed to assess prevalence and consequences of use.
• Regulatory measures for synthesis quality control and minimum purchase age are essential.