Marijuana and Delta-8/9: What Every Teen Should Know
- Teen Connect Tampa Bay
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
What Are Marijuana and Delta-8/9?
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant and contains many natural chemicals called cannabinoids. The main ingredient that causes a "high" is tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC.
Delta-8 THC is a form of THC that is often made from hemp-derived CBD through chemical processing. Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana and is responsible for the "high" most people associate with cannabis.
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are closely related chemicals found in or derived from the cannabis plant. Delta-8 THC has a similar chemical structure but is generally considered less potent. Even though some users describe the effects of Delta-8 as milder, it still affects the brain, judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Many Delta-8 products sold today are not naturally extracted from the plant. Instead, they are made by chemically converting hemp-derived CBD into Delta-8 THC. Because these products are not regulated as closely as medications, the amount of THC and other ingredients can vary greatly between products. Some have even been found to contain contaminants or higher levels of THC than listed on the label, making their effects unpredictable, especially for teenagers.
How Do These Substances Affect the Teenage Brain and Body?
The teenage brain continues developing until about age 25. THC can interfere with areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, attention, emotional regulation, and decision making. Regular use during adolescence has been linked to difficulty concentrating, lower academic performance, and problems remembering new information.
Marijuana and Delta-8/9 may also affect mood. Some teens experience anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, or depression after using these products. Others may become sleepy, have slower reaction times, poor coordination, red eyes, increased appetite, or a faster heart rate. These effects can increase the risk of injuries, motor vehicle crashes, and unsafe decision making.
Which Products Are the Most Risky?
Marijuana and Delta-8/9 are available in many different forms, but some products can be especially dangerous for teenagers because they are easy to hide or may contain much more THC than expected.
Edibles such as gummies, candies, chocolates, cookies, and drinks often take longer to produce effects than smoking or vaping. Because the effects are delayed, some people take more before the first dose has fully kicked in. This can lead to severe intoxication, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion, vomiting, or a trip to the emergency room.
Vape pens are another common way teens use marijuana or Delta-8/Delta-9. Some devices are designed to look like USB drives, highlighters, pens, or other everyday objects, making them difficult for peers to recognize. Vaping can deliver high concentrations of THC very quickly, increasing the risk of impaired judgment, dizziness, and anxiety. Some vape cartridges purchased from unregulated sources have also been found to contain harmful chemicals or contaminants that may damage the lungs.
Because many Delta products are not closely regulated, the amount of THC listed on the package may not always match what is actually inside. Some products have been found to contain other cannabinoids, solvents, or contaminants that are not listed on the label. This makes it difficult to know exactly what someone is using or how it may affect them.
Handling Peer Pressure
If someone offers you marijuana or Delta-8, it is okay to say no. You do not have to explain yourself or make excuses. Having a simple response ready, such as "No thanks, I'm good," or "It's not my thing," can make it easier in the moment. You can also change the subject, suggest doing something else, or leave the situation if you feel uncomfortable.
Surrounding yourself with friends who respect your choices makes it much easier to avoid peer pressure. If someone repeatedly pressures you to use drugs after you have said no, they are not respecting your boundaries. Talking with a trusted adult, parent, teacher, coach, or school counselor can also help if you are feeling pressured or unsure how to handle a situation.
Withdrawal Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Some people believe marijuana is not addictive, but repeated use can lead to cannabis use disorder. Teens who stop using after frequent use may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, headaches, restlessness, anxiety, mood changes, and strong cravings. These symptoms usually begin within a few days after stopping and can last for several weeks.
Friends/Parents should watch for changes in behavior, declining grades, loss of interest in hobbies, secrecy, or changes in friend groups. If you notice these warning signs, try to start a calm conversation without judgment. Listening first and encouraging honest communication often leads to better outcomes than punishment alone.
Finding Support
No teen or family has to face substance use alone. Talking with a pediatrician, school counselor, therapist, or mental health professional can be an important first step. If substance use is affecting daily life, treatment programs can provide counseling, family support, and recovery services.
Families in the Tampa Bay area can also contact local behavioral health organizations for assessment, counseling, and treatment resources. If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self harm, call or text 988 immediately for confidential support available 24 hours a day.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or mental health concerns, please seek help from a qualified
healthcare professional.
Zainab Ezzi, MD
PGY-3 | Pediatrics
USF Morsani College of Medicine
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