Health experts in Minnesota raise concerns over teen use of Delta 8 THC

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – Over the years, public health entities across the U.S. have raised flags on many things such as smoking and vaping. But now they’ve turned their attention to Delta 8 THC, especially being used by teenagers.

Clay County Public Health says less than 5% of teens have used Delta 8 in the county.

“There is no safe amount. Just like nicotine, there’s no safe amount in the teen brain. The teen brain is still developing and therefore we don’t want any substances to alter that growth.” said Jason McCoy, the substance prevention coordinator with CCPH.

Delta 8 is a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. According to the FDA, Delta 8 has intoxicating effects, and that they’ve seen an uptick in adverse events.

“As well as causing a host of other conditions right along with it. Everything from anxiety and depression to psychosis, hallucinations. Schizophrenia. It can get very bad, very fast in that young, developing brain.” said Kathy Nevins, a nurse practitioner with Essentia Health.

One of their major concerns revolve around the marketing for it, which can appeal to children and teens. Delta 8 can come in the form of gummies or even chocolate.

“You start asking questions like why is this property that’s supposedly supposed to be only to adults, someone over 21, why is it being marketed in a way that clearly is aimed toward a teenager.”

Kathy Nevins says Essentia Health works with stores in Minnesota that sell Delta-8 products, asking them to not put them in the storefronts because the looks can be deceiving to children and teens. Unfortunately, these products are not being regulated at the moment, but McCoy with Clay County Public Health says there are talks in the state legislature to address that.

“There are steps being taken to rectify that. Here in Minnesota the new recreational marijuana law includes a section that specifically says you’re not supposed to package anything in that manner.” said McCoy.

Both Nevins and McCoy says it is important for parents or guardians to talk to your teens about the use of Delta 8, as this growing product will only become more and more prevalent in the region.