Cannabis plants contain over 100 cannabinoids. Regardless of the unique effects of these cannabinoids, they should not be smoked or vaped indoors where nonsmokers would be exposed to secondhand marijuana/cannabis smoke.
One common cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)–the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana/cannabis. When we refer to THC, we’re typically talking about delta 9 THC.
However, there are other forms of THC out there. Delta 8 and delta 10 are found naturally in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Delta 8 can also be used to create a synthetic derivative of delta 9 (THC), often using butane, ethanol or CO2. Very little is known on studies or research about Delta 8 and 10; importantly, the FDA has not approved Delta 8 and has important warnings about its lack of safety.1
Additionally, because of a “loophole” in the 2018 US Farm Bill2, Delta 8 is not regulated in 32 states (as of December 2023)3. And even in states where Delta 8 is regulated, it may not be well-understood or well-enforced due to states regulating Delta 8 and marijuana differently.4
Image source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/delta-8-legal-states
This is why it is important to prohibit smoking or vaping of any marijuana or cannabis regardless of whether they are delta 8, 9 or 10, in all indoor spaces including homes. Breathing secondhand marijuana smoke is harmful to health. Research5 demonstrates the urgent need to educate the public about the harms of secondhand marijuana smoke and the need to keep homes smokefree.
3 – https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/delta-8-legal-states
4 – https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/30/1114246987/states-regulate-delta-8
5 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38429696/
Learn more:
ANR Foundation maintains a large research library where new research is posted often.
From the FDA: Five things to know about delta 8
Many thanks to Michael Mumper for contributing to this article. Michael is the Executive Director of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy.
