Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol in the Emergency Department: A Case Series

"Delta-8," or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC), is a cannabinoid product that is growing in popularity for recreational use across the nation. This report aims to characterize the clinical presentation of acute delta-8 ingestions presenting to the emergency department.

This is a case series of 6 patients who presented to a regional network of small- and medium-volume emergency departments in northwest Wisconsin. Patient histories confirmed that all patients had delta-8 exposure. Patient ages ranged from 5 to 57 years old. Amounts ingested and routes of ingestions varied from patient to patient. The most common symptoms reported were respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, altered mental status, tachycardia, and chest pressure.

This case series is a snapshot of the burden experienced by emergency departments because of delta-8 availability. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for delta-8 use, especially in patients with altered mental status, anxiety, or cardiac.