Arlington, Texas – Jessica Watkins consumed half of a delta-8 gummy to calm her mind before a family visit in the spring of 2022. Expecting a mild feeling of lightness, Watkins instead experienced coldness, numbness, and shaking, feeling detached from her surroundings. Struggling with anxiety since her teenage years, Watkins opted for natural remedies like herbal teas, but decided to try delta-8, a product she believed fell into the same category. Purchasing a 25-milligram birthday cake-flavored gummy from an online store without prior warning about potential effects, Watkins regretted her decision as it took nearly two days for her to feel normal again.
Recreational marijuana remains illegal in many states, but the popularity of products offering similar highs, including delta-8, continues to rise. The 2018 farm bill legalized the sale of hemp with low levels of Delta-9 THC, leading to a surge in hemp products marketed for various purposes. Some of these products deliver mild or no buzz, while others are much stronger due to enhanced potency through processing methods. Concerns are raised by doctors and researchers over the risks of these unregulated products, as poison centers and hospitals report an increase in cases of illness related to the consumption of hemp products.
Regulators express worries about the lack of oversight and possible contamination in hemp-derived products due to synthetic processing. The FDA has issued warning letters to manufacturers making unproven medical claims. Despite the booming market for hemp products reaching nearly $3 billion in 2023, oversight and understanding of these products lag behind sales, leading to confusion among consumers and even healthcare professionals.
Consumers share mixed experiences with hemp products on social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook. While some find relief from PTSD and chronic pain, others report uncomfortable highs, panic attacks, and even hospitalization, especially among children and teens. Reports of children ingesting hemp products made to resemble candies raise concerns about the lack of regulation and proper labeling in the industry.
There is a growing need for regulation and oversight of hemp products as uncertainties regarding safety and potency persist. Amidst regulatory confusion across states, efforts are made to address the proliferation of hemp products, particularly those containing synthetic cannabinoids. With new compounds entering the market, concerns grow over the lack of testing and information on potential health risks associated with these products.
Experts warn about the inconsistent potency and unknown byproducts found in hemp products, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and testing protocols. With the rise of new compounds and reports of harm, the industry faces challenges in ensuring consumer safety and providing accurate information to users. As the debate on the safety and regulation of hemp products continues, the need for comprehensive oversight and education becomes increasingly important.