(WASHINGTON, DC) – Parents whose children have been negatively impacted by today’s commercially-produced THC drugs are sounding the alarm after national online delivery service DoorDash announced it is now offering on-demand delivery of hemp-derived THC and CBD products, including gummies and beverages – substances known to be associated with mental and physical health consequences, especially for young people.
DoorDash has launched its ‘drugs-on-demand’ service despite both houses of Congress having advanced proposals to close the delta 8 loophole in 2024. The commercially produced THC-drugs exist in a legal gray area created by the 2018 Farm Bill, which mistakenly allowed for the commercial production of hemp-derived products. Since then, the addiction industry has created a niche market for hemp-derived THC-drug products – substances which have already been banned in 12 states.
Kelly Tuner, a mother whose child suffered a near heart attack after a one-time use of Delta-8, called DoorDash’s new delivery service repugnant and irresponsible. “The addiction industry proves time and again it will stop at nothing to hook new users. Delta-8 THC products have flooded gas stations, convenience stores and shopping malls, as unscrupulous investors look to make a quick buck, despite Congress’s intention to ban these products. DoorDash’s decision to offer a drugs-on-demand delivery services is dangerous for our young people, and will undoubtedly have heartbreaking consequences for other families,” Turner said.
Steve Glassman, whose child suffered from cannabis-induced psychosis, anxiety, and ultimately took his own life after using Delta 8 products, echoed these concerns. “These products masquerade as safe and fun and even ‘medicine,’ because they’re not marijuana-based THC. But the truth is these are dangerous, psychoactive drugs that can have devastating consequences on users. I wouldn’t wish our family’s heartbreak and challenges on anyone, yet DoorDash’s executive leadership team is making clear the company is focused on profits over people,” Glassman warned.
The parents’ campaign against the ‘drugs-on-demand’ service is being supported by Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). SAM President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former three-time White House drug policy advisor, shared Ms. Turner and Mr. Glassman’s disappointment in actions being taken by DoorDash.
“Marketing and normalization of THC-drugs negatively impacts the perception of safety, rates of addiction, and other health problems, which we’re already seeing reflected by the number of young people who are using delta 8 THC products. DoorDash’s decision to deliver these products—at a time when other major delivery services like Uber are taking a stand against drug delivery—ignores the science around the dangers of today’s THC drugs in their various forms. Congress has already moved to ban these products and its shameful that DoorDash is trading customer health and safety for a quick buck,” Sabet said.
According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)’s most recent annual Monitoring the Future survey, 12% of 12th graders reporting using delta 8 products. The survey further noted that, “questions on delta-8 were first asked for 10th and 8th graders in 2024, and past-12-month prevalence was 8% and 3%, respectively. These prevalence levels are considerable for a substance that has only recently come to market.”
Those wishing to join the campaign against DoorDash’s drug deliver survey can do so by visiting: https://www.votervoice.net/SAM/Campaigns/120080/Respond