Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to ban potentially harmful ‘Delta-8’ products

HARRISBURG, PA – Delta 8, a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that produces a similar high percentage to marijuana, is the subject of intense debate across the country and in Pennsylvania.

Products such as gum, sprays, and oils can contain Delta-8, and there is a growing concern that they can be very dangerous.

The National Poison Control Centers received 2,362 exposures to Delta-8 THC products between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. Of the 2,362 exposures, 58% included adults and 41% pediatric patients under 18 years of age.

Senator Judy Schwank (Birx Democrat) with Senator Sheriff Street (D-Philadelphia), Proposed legislation Products containing delta 8 would be prohibited.

“It came from complaints I received from parents of teens who bought vape pens with Delta 8…and realized their kids were from it,” Schwank said. A way to entice kids with flavors like lemon mist, skittles blue and strawberry cake.”

19 states have regulated, restricted, or banned the sale of Delta-8 THC products. Pennsylvania is not one of them.

Schwank says she spoke to the director of the Medical Marijuana Program in Pennsylvania, who agrees that Delta 8 is a problem.

Schwank noted that it is “sold entirely outside the scope of the medical cannabis program.”

The senator says the legislation will hopefully fill a loophole that manufacturers are exploiting. Also, hope to keep the product off shelves and away from children.

Schwank explained: “In the 2018 Farm Act, which legalized cannabis at the federal level, there was a loophole, because I don’t think they understood there was a compound that could be extracted. My goal in the end is to make sure that kids aren’t exposed to this — they won’t be able to buy it — Also, make sure that the products being sold are safe.”