Self-reported adverse events associated with ∆⁸-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) Use

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Cannabinoid Research
• Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• An unregulated market for delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC), a hemp-derived psychotropic compound, is expanding.
• There is a lack of publicly reported adverse event data specifically for delta-8-THC.
• Understanding the safety profile of delta-8-THC is crucial due to its increasing availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and summarize adverse events (AEs) associated with delta-8-THC use.
• To compare delta-8-THC AEs with those reported for cannabis.
• To analyze AEs reported by users on the Reddit forum r/Delta8 and compare them with data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Main Methods:

• A case series approach was used, analyzing 335 adverse event reports from 10,000 sampled posts on the r/Delta8 subreddit (August 2020–September 2022).
• Delta-8-THC and cannabis AEs from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) were also obtained (N=326 for delta-8-THC, N=7076 for cannabis).
• Adverse events were coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) for system organ class and preferred terms.

Main Results:

• Higher absolute numbers of delta-8-THC AEs (2184) and serious AEs (437) were reported on r/Delta8 compared to FAERS (326 AEs, 289 serious AEs).
• Psychiatric disorders (41.2%), respiratory disorders (29.3%), and nervous system disorders (23.3%) were the most common system organ classes reported for delta-8-THC.
• Anxiety, cough, and paranoia were the most frequently reported preferred terms for delta-8-THC AEs. Similar AE profiles were observed between delta-8-THC and cannabis in FAERS (Pearson's r=0.88).

Conclusions:

• Adverse events associated with delta-8-THC largely resemble those seen during acute cannabis intoxication.
• Healthcare professionals should consider similar treatment and management strategies for delta-8-THC-related AEs as for cannabis intoxication.
• Regulatory clarification is needed regarding the sale of delta-8-THC as a hemp product.