Missouri health department warns residents of cannabis derivatives. Here’s why

As Delta-8, Delta-9 and other manufactured hemp products become more popular, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services has issued an advisory urging residents to avoid them, particularly young people.

Known as hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, or cannabinoid compounds, these drugs come in more than a dozen varieties, most of which are psychoactive. The most common forms are Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC or CBD.

The effects of CBD are mostly physical, including sleepiness and pain relief. Meanwhile, Delta-9 and Delta-8 cause the same physical and mental symptoms as marijuana use, from red eyes and dry mouth to memory lapses, slowed reaction time and lack of coordination.

The DHSS’ warning against cannabinoid compounds came in the form of a health advisory published earlier this month.

“It is highly concerning how accessible these products are to the public, especially our youth,” said Paula F. Nickelson, director of DHSS. “There is no way for consumers to know exactly what is in the product they are consuming and just how intoxicating it may be.”

No regulations in Missouri

Hemp-derived cannabinoids are not currently regulated in Missouri.

But Delta-8 products were pulled from Johnson County store shelves in December 2022 after it was named a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Kansas. Today, Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are only legal in Kansas if they have less than 0.3% of cannabis by dry weight.

Cannabinoid compounds are usually sold as infused gummy candy, canned beverages or other sweet edibles. Since they are not regulated in the same way as marijuana, the products can be found at places like gas stations and corner stores. They are legal and regulated in 8 states, and banned in 11, including Colorado and New York. Seven other states only allow their sale on the pre-established legal marijuana market.

Cannabinoid compound packaging is usually colorful but not childproof. This can lead young children to eat cannabinoid edibles by accident and encourage teens to experiment, DHSS said. In 40% of Delta-8 poisoning cases reported between 2020 and 2022, the patient did not know they were taking THC edibles at all.

Delta-8 use among teens is higher in the Midwest, according to a March 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. About 11% of US twelfth graders report that they’ve tried the popular cannabinoid at least once.

Many users see Delta-8, Delta-9 and their sister compounds labeled as hemp products and don’t understand that they are psychoactive, the Food & Drug Administration warns. Delta-9 can be up to twice as strong as Delta-8, so it’s more common for recreational use. Meanwhile, Delta-8 is often used for pain relief and sleep aids.

Unlike many marijuana products, cannabinoid compounds are extracted from the hemp plant in a lab. These compounds hit the market in many states after the 2018 farm bill legalized hemp. By also legalizing things derived from hemp, the bill unwittingly created a booming industry for Delta-8, Delta-9, and more than ten similar substances.

For some users, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Because some cannabinoids — notably Delta-8 — have similar effects to marijuana but provide a milder high, some users find it a smoother experience. People who have used both cannabinoids and marijuana report less anxiety and racing heart while high on Delta-8. Some also find it increases their appetite more than THC. Some HIV and AIDS patients take cannabinoids to combat low appetite and weight loss, according to the National Institutes for health.

One study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that some cannabinoids, including Delta-8, can help chemotherpy patients by reducing nausea and vomiting. Others take Delta-8 and Delta-9 to help them manage chronic pain, stress or anxiety, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Heavy metals, mold, pesticides

However, many packaged cannabinoid edibles don’t make it clear how strong each edible is, or what mix of cannabinoid types it contains. This can make it easy for people to take more than they intend, or to unknowingly eat toxic byproducts, DHSS stated. The department warns that hemp products might come in contact with heavy metals, mold or pesticides.

DHSS also pointed out that little is known about the long-term effects of cannabinoid use. The organization warned that cannabinoids can be habit-forming, leaving users open to addiction and withdrawal cycles. Other negative side effects can include dizziness, vomiting, tremors and loss of consciousness.

The Missouri Hemp Trade Association is currently backing an amendment that would introduce some regulations for hemp-derived products. If passed, cannabinoid products would undergo rigorous testing, and would be sold with clearer instructions attached. Selling cannabinoid compounds to minors would also be banned.

DHSS first issued a warning about cannabinoid compounds in 2021. The following year, U.S. Poison Control centers reported an 82% increase in poisoning incidents associated with Delta-8, 41% of which were in patients under 18.

Synthetic cannabinoids, which are lab-made without using the hemp plant but target the same brain receptors as marijuana, also exist but are largely banned by the federal government. Some of these synthetic products, known commonly as “K2” or “spice”, actually affect the brain more strongly than marijuana, and come with a different set of side effects.