Calls To Poison Control Centers On The Rise In This State Due To Delta-8 Products

Virginia's poison control centers recently revealed how often they deal with calls related to synthetic cannabis products.

In 2022, there were more than 1,200 THC-related calls in three poison center districts in the state, according to a news local outlet citing data.

Video by 13 News Now

Cannabis sales are not fully legalized in the state. And so the market has alternatives derived from different cannabinoids such as Delta-8 and other synthetic marijuana products to sell to users.

It's possible that a Delta-8 user can have a positive drug screen for cannabis, Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist and interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center, said.

With Delta-8 so readily available, many people use it for "underlying conditions,” Johnson-Arbor added.

The number of calls received is likely not yet reported because people fear getting in trouble for calling, poison center staff said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) have issued warnings to companies illegally selling delta-8 THC hemp products.

Last week, Republican Senator Declan O’Scanlon of New Jersey called the situation a public health problem and introduced a bill to regulate Delta-8 THC.

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