DHSS: Missourians should avoid hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is encouraging consumers to avoid hemp-derived cannabinoid products like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THC-P in a recent health advisory.

Those cannabinoids possess psychoactive properties similar to delta-9 THC found in marijuana, and consumption can result in impairment and adverse health effects, including unintended intoxication. The hemp plant is not traditionally used to create intoxicating substances, but rather non-psychoactive CBD, which is used to treat chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety and inflammation. Hemp is federally legal.

Missourians are advised to avoid hemp-derived cannabinoids, as they are currently untested in humans, unregulated and sold to the public without restriction. Hemp-derived cannabinoid products may not be labeled with correct potency or potential contaminants.

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A wide variety of foods, beverages and other items containing hemp-derived compounds are available online and in traditional brick-and-mortar establishments in Missouri. "These products are marketed progressively and assertively in eye-catching ways to attract public consumption, particularly that of young consumers," according to the press release.

“It is highly concerning how accessible these products are to the public, especially our youth,” said Paula F. Nickelson, director of DHSS, in the press release. “There is no way for consumers to know exactly what is in the product they are consuming and just how intoxicating it may be.”

Missouri consumers are urged to only purchase cannabis-infused products from state-licensed dispensaries, which are regulated and adhere to quality control measures.

If a product is sold outside of a Missouri-regulated cannabis dispensary, product labels should be checked when possible to identify and avoid the following product ingredients, which are hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids: Delta-8 THC, Delta-6 THC, Delta-10 THC, Delta-11 THC, THC-A, THC-O, THC-P, THC-V, THC-JD, PHC, HHC, HHC-P and HXC.

Legislators want to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids

Missouri lawmakers are looking at ways to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC. Most recently, Sen. Nick Schroer sponsored legislation that would allow DHSS to regulate those cannabinoids. Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, carries similar legislation in the House.

“There's zero reason why these THC products should not be treated like any other THC product in our state,” Schroer said. “Similar to alcohol, one regulatory body covers all intoxicating liquors and alcohol, such as beer, bourbon, wine, moonshine, brandy and even hooch.”

Attorney General Andrew Bailey also has expressed concerns over the lack of regulation around hemp-derived cannabinoids and has recently launched a consumer protection investigation due to the products' potential to harm children.

"When purchasing products, Missourians have a right to know if they will be subject to serious and potentially dangerous side effects like psychotic episodes, severe confusion, hallucinations and other life-threatening problems. This is especially important when potentially dangerous products appear to be marketed directly at children," Bailey said in a press release. "As Attorney General, I will use every tool at my disposal to halt the sale of dangerous, illicit products that harm Missouri consumers, especially children.”

News-Leader reporter Kelly Dereuck contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri issues health advisory regarding products like delta-8 THC