Researchers identify a dose threshold for delta-8 THC toxicity in young children
In children under 6, a delta-8 THC dose of 1.7 mg/kg identified 98% of cases that developed severe toxicity, providing a clinical reference point for poison center calls.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 232 cases of young children who ingested delta-8 THC, those who consumed doses in the top quartile (above 17 mg/kg) had 3.4 times greater odds of severe toxicity and 5 times greater odds of prolonged toxicity. A cutoff of 1.7 mg/kg had 98% sensitivity for identifying severe toxicity.
Key Numbers
232 cases, median age 3.0 years. Median ingested dose: 6.7 mg/kg. CNS depression in 75.5% of cases. Top quartile (>17 mg/kg): 3.43x odds of severe toxicity, 5.02x odds of prolonged toxicity. 1.7 mg/kg cutoff: 98% sensitivity.
How They Did This
Retrospective analysis of single-substance delta-8 THC ingestions in children under 6 reported to U.S. poison centers via the National Poison Data System. Dose-response relationships evaluated using logistic regression and ROC curve analysis.
Why This Research Matters
With delta-8 THC products proliferating in states where delta-9 remains restricted, pediatric exposures have surged. This study gives healthcare providers the first dose-based reference points for assessing severity.
The Bigger Picture
Delta-8 THC products are often sold in candy-like edible forms that appeal to children, yet regulatory oversight and product labeling remain inconsistent. These dose-response findings parallel what has been seen with delta-9 THC in pediatric exposures.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Poison center data relies on caregiver-reported doses, which may be inaccurate. Delta-8 THC product labeling is notoriously unreliable. High sensitivity at 1.7 mg/kg came with low specificity (28%).
Questions This Raises
- ?How do outcomes of pediatric delta-8 THC exposures compare to delta-9 exposures at equivalent doses?
- ?Would child-resistant packaging requirements for delta-8 products reduce pediatric exposures?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- delta-8 THC dose cutoff with 98% sensitivity for identifying severe toxicity in children under 6
- Evidence Grade:
- National poison center database provides broad coverage, but reliance on caregiver-reported doses and inconsistent product labeling limit precision.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication.
- Original Title:
- Investigation of the toxic dose of ingested delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol among young children.
- Published In:
- Injury epidemiology, 12(1), 63 (2025)
- Authors:
- Garay, Ryan S, Hays, Hannah L(2), Badeti, Jaahnavi(2), Rine, Natalie I, Gaw, Christopher E, Middelberg, Leah K, Smith, Gary A
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06503
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How much delta-8 THC is 1.7 mg/kg for a typical toddler?
For a 15 kg (33 lb) toddler, that is approximately 25.5 mg of delta-8 THC, roughly equivalent to one typical commercial gummy. This underscores why even a single edible can cause significant effects in a young child.
What does delta-8 THC toxicity look like in children?
CNS depression was the most common effect, occurring in 75.5% of cases. This can include excessive sleepiness, reduced responsiveness, and in severe cases, difficulty maintaining consciousness.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06503APA
Garay, Ryan S; Hays, Hannah L; Badeti, Jaahnavi; Rine, Natalie I; Gaw, Christopher E; Middelberg, Leah K; Smith, Gary A. (2025). Investigation of the toxic dose of ingested delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol among young children.. Injury epidemiology, 12(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40621-025-00617-6
MLA
Garay, Ryan S, et al. "Investigation of the toxic dose of ingested delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol among young children.." Injury epidemiology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40621-025-00617-6
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Investigation of the toxic dose of ingested delta-8 tetrahyd..." RTHC-06503. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/garay-2025-investigation-of-the-toxic
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.