Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposures Reported to US Poison Centers: Variations Among US States and Regions and Associations with Public Policy
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Delta-8 THC exposure rates significantly increased from 2021 to 2022, particularly in the US South. States with Delta-8 THC bans and legal cannabis showed lower exposure rates.
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Cannabinoid Science
Background
- Investigated Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC) exposures reported to US Poison Centers (PCs).
- Examined geographical variations in Delta-8 THC exposures across US states and regions.
- Assessed the impact of Delta-8 THC regulations and legal cannabis status on exposure rates.
Purpose Of The Study
- To analyze national trends in Delta-8 THC exposures reported to US Poison Centers.
- To compare Delta-8 THC exposure rates in states with varying regulatory frameworks.
- To determine if legal cannabis status influences Delta-8 THC exposure rates.
Main Methods
- Utilized National Poison Data System (NPDS) data for Delta-8 THC exposures from 2021-2022.
- Analyzed population-based exposure rates at state and regional levels.
- Compared exposure rates between states with and without Delta-8 THC regulations and legal cannabis.
Main Results
- Reported 4,925 Delta-8 THC exposures between January 2021 and December 2022.
- Observed a 79.2% increase in Delta-8 THC exposure rates from 2021 to 2022.
- Found significantly lower exposure rates in states with Delta-8 THC bans (0.17/100k) and legal cannabis (0.52/100k) compared to unregulated (1.36/100k) and illegal cannabis states (1.64/100k).
Conclusions
- Delta-8 THC exposures reported to US PCs surged by 79% between 2021 and 2022.
- The US South region accounted for over two-thirds of reported Delta-8 THC exposures.
- Implementing consistent Delta-8 THC regulations nationwide is recommended to mitigate exposure risks.
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