Last month the Minnesota Department of Health issued a warning about illegal marijuana products containing high-doses of THC.
In a statement, public health officials wrote,
Illegal, high-dose hemp-derived products may contain hundreds of milligrams of THC per serving, and with multiple servings in a package, this can add up to thousands of milligrams of THC – far above the legal limit . . . These products are produced by a variety of manufacturers and if consumed may lead to adverse health effects, such as becoming unresponsive, seizures, or psychotic episodes.
Edibles and other substances containing high doses of THC are sometimes manufactured from industrial hemp — or cannabis.
The health department’s statement noted that illegal, high-THC products were found in 39% of hemp retailers inspected in the state.
Marijuana edibles containing high levels of THC pose a serious risk. According to the Minnesota Health Department, they can cause:
- Unresponsiveness.
- Extreme anxiety or panic attacks.
- Psychotic episodes (hallucinations, delusions or a loss of personal identity).
- An increase in heart rate, chest pain or heart attack.
- Sudden high blood pressure with headache.
- Uncontrollable shaking or seizures.
- Decreased judgment, perception and coordination that can lead to injuries.
- Consumers are advised to contact their health care provider if they become ill or begin suffering symptoms of THC overdose after consuming a high-dose cannabinoid product.
Nationwide, marijuana products like these — including gummies, candies, and other edibles containing THC — are sending kids to the emergency room.
In 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a strong warning highlighting five serious health risks associated with Delta-8 THC manufactured from industrial hemp products. Likewise, researchers at the Oregon Health and Sciences University found poison center calls due to children exposed to marijuana rose 245% from 2000 – 2020.
Last summer the Centers for Disease Control released a report showing the number of children, teens, and young adults sent to the emergency room due to marijuana exposure increased from 2019 to 2022. The report revealed that marijuana-related ER visits surged more than 200% among children under age 11 during that time.
These drugs are dangerous — especially for children. That’s part of the reason Arkansas has taken steps to prohibit THC products made from hemp.
Last year the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 629 by Sen. Tyler Dees (R – Siloam Springs) and Rep. Jimmy Gazaway (R – Paragould). This good law prevents Delta-8 THC and other THC varieties from being manufactured and sold via industrial hemp — or cannabis — in Arkansas. However, a group of companies that profit from Delta-8 THC are suing to block Act 629 in federal court.
Without laws prohibiting gummies, candies, and other edibles made from industrial hemp and marijuana, these drugs could send more children to the E.R. in Arkansas.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
