Legal Doesn’t Mean Safe: What You Should Know About Hemp-Derived THC Products

Walk into a gas station, vape shop or convenience store in Hampstead, Surf City, Holly Ridge or many other communities across Eastern North Carolina, and you will likely see products containing Delta-8, Delta-9 or Delta-10 THC.

They are sold as gummies, drinks, vape cartridges, chocolates and other products. Many are marketed as legal, natural alternatives to marijuana. Because they are sold openly and are easy to purchase, many people assume they are safe.

Over the past several years, I have noticed growing confusion among patients, families and community members about hemp-derived THC products and the risks associated with them. Many people are surprised to learn that these products can have significant effects on both mental and physical health.

As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who works in both mental health and addiction treatment, I believe consumers deserve accurate information so they can make informed decisions.

The first thing to understand is what THC actually is.

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive substance found in cannabis. It is the chemical responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana. THC affects areas of the brain involved in mood, memory, attention, judgment, coordination and reward.

Most people have heard of Delta-9 THC, which is the primary form found in marijuana. Delta-8 and Delta-10 are chemically similar compounds that can also produce intoxication and impairment. While they are often advertised as milder alternatives, they still affect the brain and body.

Many consumers are surprised to learn that these products became widely available because of a loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill. The law legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Manufacturers found ways to convert hemp-derived CBD into other psychoactive forms of THC and sell them legally in many states.

As a result, products capable of producing a high are now sold in places where consumers may not expect to find intoxicating substances.

Another concern is the lack of oversight.

Unlike prescription medications, hemp-derived THC products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness. Independent testing has found that some products contain different amounts of THC than listed on the label. Some products have also been found to contain contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals and chemical byproducts from manufacturing.

One of the most common things I hear is, "It's legal, so it can't be that bad."

The reality is more complicated.

THC affects the brain's reward pathways and can lead to tolerance and dependence. Over time, some individuals need increasing amounts to achieve the same effects. When they stop using, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, restlessness and decreased appetite.

Many people also use THC products to help with stress, anxiety or sleep. While some individuals report short-term relief, research suggests regular THC use may worsen anxiety, depression and mood instability in some people over time.

The mental health risks are particularly important to understand.

THC can contribute to paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals. In recent years, health care providers have reported cases of severe psychiatric reactions following the use of Delta-8 products, including episodes that required hospitalization.

Research also suggests that cannabis-induced psychosis may increase the risk of developing long-term psychiatric disorders in some individuals.

Young people face even greater risks.

The human brain continues developing into the mid-20s. Areas responsible for judgment, impulse control and decision-making are among the last to mature. THC exposure during adolescence has been associated with problems involving attention, memory, learning and academic performance. Regular use during this critical period may have lasting effects on brain development.

Another common misconception is that cannabis products are an effective treatment for ADHD.

Although some people report that THC helps them feel calmer, current research does not show meaningful improvement in attention or executive functioning. In some cases, THC may actually worsen concentration, memory and motivation.

The risks are not limited to mental health.

THC can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure and place additional stress on the cardiovascular system. Research has linked cannabis use with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly during the hours immediately following use. THC can also interact with certain medications, including sedatives, blood thinners and some psychiatric medications.

The goal of this article is not to tell adults what choices they should make. Rather, it is to encourage informed decision-making.

As a mental health and addiction provider, I believe people deserve honest information about products that can affect the brain and body. Hemp-derived THC products are often marketed as safe, natural and legal. The reality is that they can carry risks that many consumers do not fully understand.

As access continues to expand, education becomes increasingly important. Consumers deserve to know what these products are, how they work and what potential risks they carry before deciding whether to use them.

Legal availability may make these products easier to obtain, but it does not make them harmless.

Cara Vitadamo, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and addiction specialist who lives and works in Eastern North Carolina.