Big Rise in Emergencies Involving Synthetic Weed Among Kids, Adults
Last Updated: Tuesday May 14, 2024
(HealthDay News) Calls to U.S. poison centers regarding so-called synthetic cannabis jumped 88% between 2021 and 2022, as use of these legally sold products rose, research shows.
Synthetic cannabis contain varying forms of the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THC-O acetate.
They're banned or regulated in 14 states, but even then people can order them online. In other states they can be easily found in locations like gas stations and small convenience stores.
Users often discount the health threat from the products, dubbing them "diet weed” or “hemp products,” according to a team led by Dr. Hannah Hays. She's medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center and faculty at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.