THC (Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

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Why am I being warned about exposure to THC?

THC is on the Proposition 65 list because exposure to this chemical during pregnancy may affect the development of the child.
Some studies have found that when pregnant or lactating laboratory animals were exposed to THC, it affected the brain, behavior, or learning ability of their offspring, and later in life, made their offspring more susceptible to drug addiction.
Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.

What is THC?

THC is a chemical in cannabis (marijuana) plants and cannabis smoke. It is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, which means that it affects the mind and behavior.
THC is present in cannabis concentrates known as THC extractions, and informally called dabs, honey oil, budder, or wax.
THC is also found in a wide range of other products, such as THC-containing vaping liquids and edible cannabis-containing items, including candy and baked goods.

How does exposure to THC occur?

You can be exposed to THC by smoking, vaping, heating, or consuming cannabis, or products that contain THC.
You can also be exposed to THC when others around you smoke, vape, or heat these products.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and you use or are exposed to cannabis products that contain THC, your baby can be exposed to THC, too.

If you are pregnant, you can expose your baby to THC by:

How can I reduce my baby’s exposure to THC?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use cannabis or other products that contain THC, and avoid spending time in places where others are smoking cannabis or using products that release THC into the air.

For more information:

General Fact Sheets and Resources

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Office of the Surgeon General (OSG)
- U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: Marijuana Use and the Developing Brain
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Learn about Marijuana Risks. Marijuana and Pregnancy
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
- Cannabis (Marijuana) Smoke

Scientific Information about THC

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
- Evidence on the Developmental Toxicity of Cannabis (Marijuana) Smoke and Δ⁹-THC

Proposition 65

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets

Posted July 2020