The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration didn’t mince words this week: cannabis products might be doing more harm than people think. In a blunt exchange with the press, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary issued a stark warning about growing links between cannabinoid use and serious mental and cardiac health conditions.
The comments, made Tuesday, come as cannabinoid-infused products — especially unregulated ones like delta-8 THC — are popping up in corner shops, gas stations, and even online markets without much oversight. That’s triggering alarm bells among health experts and regulators alike.
Rising Popularity, Rising Risk
Delta-8 THC isn’t new, but it’s enjoying a new wave of popularity. Dubbed “weed-lite” or “diet weed,” it gives users a milder high than traditional marijuana — and it’s technically legal in many places, thanks to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Makary’s comments threw cold water on the idea that these products are harmless. “Cannabis use disorder is a real thing,” he said bluntly, adding, “There are now studies linking it to psychosis and even cardiovascular problems.”
That’s a red flag. Especially considering how easy these products are to get.
Some dispensaries are regulated. Others? Not so much. You can buy delta-8-infused gummies, vapes, and oils with zero age verification in some U.S. states. And they’re marketed like wellness products — calm, chill, balance — all words that sound safe.
But beneath the calm branding, health officials are raising questions.
Data Behind The Warnings
Makary’s concerns aren’t just based on anecdotes. They’re backed by mounting scientific research — and not just from fringe sources.
In 2022, a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry found a “strong association” between high-potency cannabis use and an increased risk of psychotic disorders, especially among younger adults.
Then there’s cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement in 2020 noting that cannabis use — particularly when inhaled — may contribute to increased risk of heart rhythm disorders, heart attacks, and strokes. That’s before adding synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8 to the mix.
One key issue: Delta-8 THC is a synthetic cannabinoid often manufactured in unregulated labs. So the content — and the dosage — vary wildly. That opens the door to contamination and overdose risks.
To make matters worse, a CDC report last year documented over 2,300 cases of delta-8-related health incidents, including hospitalisations, in just one 12-month period.
What Exactly Is Delta-8 And Why Is It Everywhere?
Delta-8 THC is a chemical cousin of delta-9 THC — the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that gives people a high.
But here’s the twist: delta-8 is derived from hemp, which is federally legal in the U.S. That legal status has created what experts call a “grey market” — unregulated but technically not illegal.
It’s chemically altered, often through the use of solvents or acids, to convert CBD extracted from hemp into delta-8 THC. That means it’s not a natural extract in the way people might think.
Why is it everywhere? Retailers jumped at the chance to sell a product that gets users high without running afoul of federal law. And it worked. Sales of delta-8 products in the U.S. grew 10-fold between 2020 and 2022, according to cannabis industry analytics firm Brightfield Group.
But the patchwork legality has made it hard for regulators to keep up. Some states have banned it. Others have let it proliferate unchecked. The FDA has repeatedly warned that delta-8 products “have not been evaluated or approved for safe use.”
Makary’s comments seem to be a fresh push to bring this back into focus.
Health Agencies Are Getting Nervous
Makary isn’t the only one waving the caution flag. Health authorities from across federal and state lines are starting to coordinate on this issue.
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The CDC issued an official health advisory in 2021 warning that delta-8 THC “may carry similar risks” as delta-9.
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The DEA has said it’s reviewing whether delta-8 should be classified as a controlled substance.
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Several state attorneys general have launched probes into the sale of these products to minors.
Still, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Some localities have pushed crackdowns, but others lack the resources or the political appetite. The result is a confusing market where users — especially teens and young adults — assume safety where there is none.
Here’s a quick snapshot of state-by-state regulation of delta-8 as of July 2025:
| State | Legal Status | Age Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Banned | N/A | Prohibited entirely |
| Texas | Legal (Unregulated) | None | Sold widely in gas stations |
| New York | Banned | N/A | Crackdowns underway |
| Florida | Restricted | 21+ | Regulated under medical cannabis laws |
| Colorado | Legal (Regulated) | 21+ | State oversight in place |
It’s a mess, basically. And that patchwork regulation is exactly what has public health leaders worried.
Kids, Teens And Vapes: A Recipe For Trouble?
Makary made it clear: young people should not be touching these products.
He stressed, “We don’t want kids to use them.” That might sound obvious, but statistics suggest otherwise.
The National Poison Data System reported a 70% increase in cannabis-related exposure calls for children under 10 between 2020 and 2023. A disturbing trend, especially when it involves edibles that look like sweets.
Even more worrying? A 2023 Monitoring the Future Survey showed nearly 1 in 10 high school seniors reported using delta-8. Most said they didn’t realise it was chemically altered.
That means education gaps are fuelling use — and so is clever marketing. Some gummies are sold in rainbow packaging. Others mimic popular candy brands.
Parents are often unaware. Retailers rarely ask for ID.
FDA Could Push For Tighter Rules — But Will They?
Makary didn’t outline specific policy steps, but his comments could signal more FDA action.
The agency has already sent warning letters to companies marketing delta-8 products, but critics say that’s not enough. Especially with a new generation of intoxicating cannabinoids — like HHC and THCP — already showing up on shelves.
Some health experts want the FDA to reclassify delta-8 as a controlled substance. Others argue that Congress needs to close the legal loophole that made it mainstream in the first place.
But politics plays a role. Cannabis remains a hot-button issue in the U.S., especially ahead of election season.
Whether the FDA will actually move beyond warnings remains to be seen. For now, health leaders are hoping people — especially parents — start taking this more seriously.
