Cannabis

In 2022, 38% of undergraduate college students reported having ever used cannabis in their life, and 23.8% reported use of cannabis in the past 3 months (NCHA National Reference, 2022).

Current federal laws restrict the use of cannabis. However, individual states have varied laws for medical and recreational use of cannabis.  South Carolina law restricts the use of cannabis, and the use of cannabis is restricted on all college campuses in the United States. 

View a Map on Medical and Recreational-Purpose Cannabis by State

Cannabis has varied short-term and long-term effects on your body and brain. Short-term effects of cannabis can include increased heart rate, delayed reactions and impaired judgment. Long-term effects of cannabis use can include weakened immune system, altered brain development in young adults and memory problems.

How Cannabis Affects the Body

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. This substance is found in small amounts but has more recently been manufactured from hemp-derived CBD to create higher concentrations in different products.

What are the risks of delta-8?

Between a rise of adverse event reports and an increase in delta-8 THC marketing, the FDA warns the public of delta-8’s potential dangers:

• Delta-8 THC products have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA for safe use in any context. It’s important to know that these products may be marketed in a way that puts the public’s health at risk. Some concerns include variability in product formulations and product labeling, other cannabinoid and terpene content, and variable delta-8 THC concentrations. Some of these products may be labeled simply as “hemp products,” which may mislead consumers who associate “hemp” with “non-psychoactive.”

• There are documented reports of adverse events involving delta-8 THC products.

• Delta-8 THC products have both intoxicating and psychoactive effects, which poses problems when these products are not regulated in their potency.

• The creation of concentrated delta-8 THC in different products often involves the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

• It’s vital that delta-8 products are kept away from children and pets.

Delta-8 THC use has increased among college students in the United States. Serious health risks have been associated with use, including vomiting, hallucinations, anxiety, decreased motor control and loss of consciousness. Delta-8 THC products often have potentially harmful chemical additives based on the manufacturing of the product. The best way to avoid negative effects of delta-8 THC is to avoid use.

Sources: FDA, CampusWell