Around 30% of seniors have smoked weed once within the last year and one in six seniors in that grouping will gain addictions, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institutes of Health. However, what they don’t know is that the marijuana they believe is contributing to their mental health is actually doing the exact opposite.

Students worldwide suffer daily with the consequences of delta-8, a form of synthetic THC. Synthetic THC is a lab-made imitation of THC, a compound found in marijuana. It has become one of the most used substances by teens nationwide. Medical marijuana is becoming more common in households nationwide as states put laws in place. The drug is derived from the cannabis plant. Tina Huss, a medical marijuana expert, says part of the reason cannabis has grown in such uses since legalization is due to the drug benefiting people with chronic insomnia, anxiety, depression and stress.

This is where synthetic, lab-made THC or other varieties of cannabinoid (like delta-8) come into play. Mass companies and labs have figured out how they can profit off of the trend in marijuana popularity and grow their business. Synthetic THC is well known under a few titles, for example, spice, delta-8 or K2. The rise of this substance has caused mixed thoughts and opinions amongst various people. Some may say it’s healthy to find natural medicines and therapies while others compare this epidemic to cigarette usage in the 90s or alcoholism.

“Synthetic THC is unhealthy, and I don’t condone it,” Huss said.

The dangers of this substance start with its origin and are followed by the misleading information citizens are fed by the distributors; many reach out to consume this substance under the impression that it is the same as medical marijuana, and is just a way to cope with whichever life struggles are thrown at them.

Synthetic THC is filled with risks that will occur, not just physically, but mentally as well. National Poison Control released statistics showing between Jan. 1, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2022, nearly 2,500 exposure cases were called in, 70% of those cases resulted in health care evaluations, 8% to critical care and even one of the pediatric cases resulted in death. Furthermore, the mental effects of delta-8 can be just as dangerous. The National Institute Of Health shares some risks that come with synthetic THC; “anxiety, panic and psychosis” are just a few.

These labs are producing large amounts of delta-8, filled with pesticides and chemicals that aren’t naturally found in marijuana. Due to the lack of quality and rapid speed of production, labs are now able to push this product out much faster and boost their sales. However, the dangers these companies bring to the streets are not worth the few dollars you might save on the product. Needless to say, marijuana will continue to grow in popularity. Although people might know the benefits, people are highly advised to continue to educate themselves and speak to their doctors about what choices are best for them.