SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Under current Missouri law, a minor can legally purchase products containing Delta-8 THC, which is derived from hemp but gives users a similar high as marijuana.
Efforts are underway in Jefferson City to pass legislation regulating these products, and Springfield’s Police Chief Paul Williams is among those leading the charge.
Chief Williams said although his department has not seen any cases of children accidentally consuming these products in Springfield, he said it is bigger than a local issue.
“It needs to be a statewide issue,” Chief Williams said. “Which is why we’re working with the legislature to develop those regulations and statutory provisions to keep the kids safe.”
Police Chief Paul Williams says these products often look like regular candy and have packaging that is colorful and eye-catching for children and teens.
Due to the current lack of regulations, Delta-8 products can be purchased in convenience stores and online without age verification.
“From a law enforcment perspective is to A make people aware of that,” Chief Williams said. “And B, say, if you can do this, it ought to be regulated like everything else we have regulated.”
Dr. Jennifer Freeman, a pediatrician with Mercy Hospital, said the packaging and accessibility are only part of the problem.
“The synthetically derived cannabinoid, which mimics marijuana is THC, is the delta eight version or delineation of that,” Dr. Freeman said. “And the concern with that, too, is it is not federally regulated.”
Dr. Freeman said these products can have a much more intense effect on children than adults.
Last month, several third graders in the St. Louis area reportedly experienced hallucinations when they accidentally consumed Delta-8 gummies at school.
“If they take in an even a portion of, for example, one of these gummies,” Dr. Freeman said, “Well, they can have, of course, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, but it can affect their neurologic system as well.”
Dr. Freeman encourages parents to talk with their children and teenagers about these products.
“We need to really focus on having some good communication between parents and the older kiddos to know, are we making a good choice for yourself?” Dr. Freeman said. “And do you know actually what you’re choosing and what is the right amount and how it can affect you.”
Dr. Freeman said products containing THC should be treated like any other medication. They should be kept out of a child’s reach, and if your child does consume one of these products you should call poison control.
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