The Rise of THC Edible Consumption Among Students

As the use of THC-infused products becomes more widespread, schools are seeing a rise in students consuming THC edibles, often unknowingly. This growing trend poses significant challenges for school administrators tasked with maintaining a safe learning environment. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind the increase in THC edible consumption among students, the associated health risks, and offer practical strategies for school administrators to prevent and address this issue on school grounds.

Use of THC Products

Products containing THC are becoming increasingly available. One reason for this increase is the legalization of recreational marijuana in many states. A lesser-known reason is the 2018 federal Farm Bill which legalized products made from hemp containing low levels of delta-9 THC (delta-9). Delta-9 is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It creates the “high” people experience from marijuana use. Low-level THC hemp can be synthetically converted into delta-8 THC (delta-8) and other THC isomers with high concentrations of THC. Delta-8 products create similar intoxicating and psychoactive effects as delta-9. These products can also produce feelings of anxiety, paranoia and even delusions.

This loophole has created a massive market for store-bought THC products containing delta-8 — even in areas where cannabis use remains illegal. Some states restrict the sale of delta-8 products to adults 21 years of age and older, while some states set no age limits. The restrictions do not limit online sales.

A wide variety of delta-8 products are available. Edible forms of THC are sold as gummy candies (gummies), chocolates and other snacks that look, smell and taste like non-THC food products. These products are sold online, at vape stores, in convenience stores and at gas stations.

This increase in availability has led to an increase in use of delta-8 products among children and adolescents.

Purposeful Use

More and more young people are knowingly using delta-8 products. In a recent survey of 2000 high school students, 11% reported using delta-8 products in the last 12 months. Among those who reported delta-8 use, 91% also reported marijuana use.¹

Accidental Use

More and more young people are unknowingly using delta-8 products.

Many delta-8 products have packages and labels that bear a stunning resemblance to candies and snack foods that are popular with children. It can be difficult for a young child (or adult) to tell the difference between THC gummies and candy. Children are finding THC edibles in their homes and mistakenly consuming them, which results in THC intoxication.

Children can unknowingly ingest their parents’ delta-8 gummies. These products can even show up at school for a student’s personal consumption and to share with friends. ² One of the major problems is children who obtain them are unaware of what they are putting into their mouths. Children who confuse THC products for regular candy often eat several and become ill. Many experience sleepiness and confusion, though some children have required intensive care or experienced hallucinations for days.³

From 2021 to 2023, American Poison Centers received eight thousand calls related to delta-8 consumption. Nearly a third involved children under 6 years old.³ Between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, national local poison control centers received 2362 cases involving delta-8 products. Forty-one percent were for children below 18 years of age and 40% of the exposures were unintentional.⁴

“These THC pens, the concentration is so high now, it’s wreaking havoc on our student body. And I believe it’s highly addictive, because we see kids, so many of them that are smoking before they come to school, during school, and after school.”

–PSW Champion, Lawrence Fernandez, Gang Intervention Specialist, Madera Unified School District

Dangers Associated with THC Use

Studies show an association between THC use and negative health impacts for teens. The use of THC products has been associated with negative impacts on the adolescent brain. Numerous studies have found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with adverse effects on learning, memory and attention; changes in brain development; and the development of cannabis use disorder and other psychiatric disorders, such as depression, psychosis and suicidality.¹

Dangers Associated with Delta-8 Products

Hemp-derived THC products are not regulated by the FDA. Delta-8 products may be produced anywhere from a factory to a person’s basement – even in a bathtub.3 Delta-8 THC products may not be tested for the presence of unsafe contaminants or harmful substances that create adverse health effects.²

Indicators of Cannabis Use

THC intoxication causes adverse effects such as:

• Lethargy.
• Uncoordinated movements and decreased psychomotor activity.
• Slurred speech.
• Increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate.
• Low blood pressure.
• Slowed breathing.
• Sedation.
• Coma.

There is no antidote for THC intoxication. Treatment is largely symptomatic and consists of supportive care.

If the adverse effects of THC products create an immediate danger to a person’s health, The CDC recommends calling the local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1 to seek immediate emergency medical attention.²

Tips for School Administrators

To effectively prevent the use of THC products among students, school administrators can adopt a multi-faceted approach. Below are key strategies that schools can implement to create a safer and drug-free environment.

• Clear Substance Use Policies: Establish and enforce clear policies regarding substance use on school grounds and during school activities. Make sure students understand the consequences of violating these policies.
• Comprehensive Prevention Programs: Implement comprehensive, age-appropriate and research-based prevention programming.
• Peer-Led Education: Recruit student leaders to help educate their peers on the dangers of THC products, arrange awareness activities and encourage abstinence.
• Staff Training: Educate school staff on the rising use of THC products, how to identify THC products, the indicators of THC intoxication and how to respond to THC intoxication.
• Family Education: Educate families about the potential risks of using THC products. Share information about the psychoactive qualities and the potential health implications of THC use. Provide them with resources and information on how to talk to their children about the risks of drug use.
• Halloween Safety: As Halloween approaches, encourage parents to read the labels of their children’s candy to ensure there are no THC products mixed in with their candy.
• Counseling Services: Offer counseling services for students who may be struggling with substance use. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
• Social-Emotional Skills Development: Implement programs that enhance students’ social and emotional skills, helping them make better decisions and resist peer pressure.
• Behavior Management System: Utilize a behavior management system to document student THC use and use the data to recognize trends and develop specific interventions.
• Anonymous Reporting: Implement an anonymous tip reporting system for peers and community members to report situations involving THC use that can affect students while at school or that could adversely affect the school environment.
• Workplace Awareness for Older Students: Older students and school employees should be made aware that many employers have not changed their drug policies in response to the legalization of THC products for medical or recreational purposes nor for legally sold delta-8 THC products.

By combining these strategies, schools can create a safer environment and reduce the likelihood of THC use among students.

Addressing the rising use of THC edibles among students requires a proactive and informed approach. By implementing clear policies, educating students, staff, and families, and offering targeted prevention programs, schools can mitigate the risks associated with THC consumption. A comprehensive effort that includes awareness, education, and early intervention will help create a safer environment for all students, reducing the likelihood of THC-related incidents in schools.