SAM 4/12/2024 Friday Fact: Delta-8 THC Exposures Among Age Groups in 2022

America’s Poison Centers 2022 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System shows Delta-8 THC exposures among age groups. Overall, there were 3,358 Delta-8 THC exposures in 2022.

Americans aged 19 or younger accounted for 56% of all Delta-8 THC exposures in 2022––those 12 or younger accounted for more than 40% of these exposures. Here’s a detailed list of the Delta-8 THC exposures among age groups: 

  • Less than 5 years: 1,005 cases (30%) 
  • 6-12 years: 360 cases (11%) 
  • 13-19 years: 489 cases (15%) 
  • 20s: 532 cases (16%) 
  • 30s: 361 cases (11%) 
  • 40s: 207 cases (6%) 
  • 50s: 143 cases (4%) 
  • 60s: 99 cases (3%) 
  • 70s: 46 cases (1%) 
  • 80s: 15 cases (0%) 
  • 90s: 1 case (0%) 
  • Unknown age: 100 cases (3%) 

Delta-8 THC exposures are disproportionately harming our kids. These “high”-inducing products have proliferated throughout the nation due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which created a loophole for hemp-derived THC products to be produced and sold. These products often look like candy and are sold in child-friendly packaging in gas stations and convenience stores. Consequently, they are often consumed by children on accident.

Previously, SAM created an interactive map showing instances of THC hospitalizations and ED visits reported in local news outlets. The map shows any THC-related story, including Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. Click here to view the map.

A handful of states have taken matters in their own hands to ban these products. SAM has been leading the fight to close the Farm Bill loophole and ban these products nationwide. To learn more about the dangers of Delta-8 THC, you can read our page on it here.