# Psychiatric Manifestations of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) Use Among Patients With Preexisting Psychiatric Disorders: A Case Series

## TL;DR

This case series shows that Δ8-THC use can cause severe psychiatric symptoms in people with existing mental health issues.

## Contribution

The paper reports three cases linking Δ8-THC use to psychiatric hospitalizations in patients with preexisting disorders.

## Key findings

- Three patients with preexisting psychiatric disorders developed psychosis after using Δ8-THC.
- Δ8-THC products were legally purchased and perceived as safe but led to severe psychiatric effects.
- The findings highlight a need for more research and awareness about Δ8-THC's psychiatric risks.

## Abstract

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) products, made from hemp-derived cannabidiol, have become more widely available since changes in legislation allowed hemp to be excluded from controlled substances. These products are often perceived as a safe, legal, and accessible alternative to marijuana or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. However, scientific research on their effects remains limited. There have been reports of psychiatric symptoms associated with Δ8-THC use, although the literature is not yet comprehensive. In this report, we present three cases of patients with distinct preexisting psychiatric disorders who developed various psychiatric manifestations, including psychosis, after using Δ8-THC products. All three individuals had purchased these products legally, believing them to be safe and effective for managing their symptoms. However, their use ultimately led to psychiatric symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. This case series highlights the need for greater awareness of the potential psychiatric effects of Δ8-THC, particularly among individuals with preexisting mental health conditions, and underscores the critical gap in research on these products.