As variations of the THC molecule, such as delta-8, are now being created in the laboratory, community leaders call for grassroots education on the dangers to youth.
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The dangers of new formulations of THC, the active drug in marijuana, were revealed in a detailed and concerning presentation given to community leaders in Washington, DC, by community organizer and drug education specialist, Marsha Middleton; Drug-Free World’s Faith Liaison Thalia Ghiglia; and Will Jones from Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM).
The presentation on delta-8 and THC edibles is being used to educate people on this dangerous new trend, and make parents more aware of the dangers of what looks like candy and might be consumed by their children.
The speakers warned of the dangers of the new THC molecules being chemically created, one of which is called delta-8 THC. THC is the chemical in marijuana which causes a high. Products containing delta-8 are sold under various packaging with labels that say delta-8 THC. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.
The presentation focused on the need in local communities for greater understanding of the issues surrounding THC-containing products. THC can be mixed with food or beverages to create what are commonly called edibles. THC gummies are a popular edible which can be mistaken for candy and consumed by children, causing serious medical problems.
The national poison control centers have received 2,362 exposure cases involving delta-8 THC products between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. Of these cases, 58% involved adults, 41% involved patients less than 18 years of age, and 1% did not report age. Forty percent of the total number of exposure cases involved unintentional exposure; of these, 82% were under 18 years of age. One of these died.
The FDA has received reports of adverse effects in patients who consumed delta-8 THC edibles, including hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
In summary, the FDA reports the following regarding delta-8 THC:
Delta-8 THC has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use and may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk.
The FDA has received adverse event reports involving delta-8 THC-containing products.
Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects.
The making of products containing delta-8 THC often involves the use of potentially harmful chemicals to create the concentrations of delta-8 THC claimed in the marketplace.
Thalia Ghiglia, of Drug-Free World DC, participated in the presentation and said, “A common question I get is, ‘What can I do to help make things better?’ Accurate and factual drug education on a grassroots level is the undercut to all of our drug abuse issues. I urge everyone to get educated and to pass important information on. That's how we are going to build a better society. What could be more important than protecting our youth and all citizens from the harmful effects of drugs? We are therefore very thankful for organizations like Ms. Middleton’s who work directly with youth, and SAM, who make sure individuals and communities have the information they need to stay safe.”
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World offers free booklets and a free documentary featuring interviews with former drug users telling the truth about their experiences with various drugs. https://www.drugfreeworld.org/videos/documentary.
Below: Thalia Ghiglia helps community members with free Drug-Free World information at an outdoor event
About the company: Foundation for a Drug-Free World is an international organization offering its materials in 22 languages which can be ordered through their website: www.drugfreeworld.org. Materials are available free to educators, police, community leaders and others. Their drug prevention materials consist of 13 different booklets, public service announcement videos and a unique documentary film, as well as an educator’s guide. The program addresses how drugs affect a person not only physically but also mentally, and give an individual enough data to make his own informed choices. The Foundation is proudly sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists all over the world.
Contact Info:
Name: Thalia Ghiglia
Email: Send Email
Organization: Foundation for a Drug-Free World
Address: 1701 20th St NW Washington, DC 20009
Website: http://www.drugfreeworld.org
Video URL: https://www.drugfreeworld.org/videos/documentary
Release ID: 89127971
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