Health Canada to study the effects of neocannabinoids

Health Canada, which regulates cannabis in Canada, will study the effects of different cannabinoids. which recreate the effect of delta-9-THC.

The federal regulator plans to work with the provinces and territories on this issue and «will continue research and monitoring, data collection and analysis to support potential future regulatory changes,» according to a statement shared with StratCann. The results of the project are expected this year.

Precautionary principle

This statement comes after two of Canada's largest cannabis markets, Ontario and British Columbia, announced they would suspended approval of all new delta-8-THC-based products pending advice from Health Canada. The research will focus on various cannabinoids, including delta-8.

In order to reduce the risks associated with accidental consumption and overconsumption, federal cannabis law and regulations set limits of 10 mg per package for delta-9-THC in edibles, or 1,000 mg for extracts and topicals, but no such limit yet exists for products containing THC polymers other than delta-9.

«Although there are currently no similar legal requirements for other cannabinoid intoxicants such as delta-8-THC, Health Canada strongly recommends that the total amount of cannabinoid intoxicants not exceed the regulatory limits set for delta-9-THC, and that testing and precise descriptions of cannabinoid intoxicant content be clearly indicated on product labels,« explained a Health Canada advisor.

«The delta-8-THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid», he continues, «and one of the many cannabinoids present in or naturally produced by the cannabis plant. However, delta-8-THC is not naturally present in significant quantities in the plant. As such, delta-8-THC is usually manufactured from cannabidiol (CBD) by a licensed cannabis processor.»

Unknown health effects

«Cannabis products containing delta-8-THC present potential health and safety risks that can be similar to delta-9-THC, some of which may be serious or life-threatening. Products containing high levels of delta-8-THC have little or no history of use, so scientific and medical understanding of their biological effects and health risks is still developing. Health Canada is closely monitoring the emergence on the Canadian market of products containing high levels of delta-8 THC, as well as products that may contain high levels of other new intoxicating cannabinoids.»

«Health Canada is currently commissioning preliminary research projects in rodents to begin comparing the psychoactive effects of various cannabinoids other than delta-9-THC. This will provide a better understanding of the intoxication equivalence of these non-delta-9-THC cannabinoids with delta-9-THC. The data generated by this and other potential projects on this subject could contribute to public education and awareness efforts, potential risk assessments, and any policy or regulation concerning these substances. The results of this initial pilot project are expected in calendar year 2023.»

Delta-8 THC products first appeared on the Canadian market in 2022, with a handful of companies offering products such as candies, drinks and vape pens. Sales of these products appear to be relatively low, however, according to various local reports.

Health Canada states that it will «continue to monitor the effects and risks of all cannabis products, including products with high delta-8 THC content, and will take appropriate action as needed», without announcing a nationwide policy change for the time being.