The study, published this week, examined data from the Monitoring the Future survey, which tracks the behaviors and attitudes of adolescents and young adults. It found that approximately 11% of 12th-grade students reported using delta 8 THC products in the past year. Delta 8 THC, sometimes referred to as “diet weed” or “light THC,” is a hemp-derived cannabinoid.
Of the 295 teens who admitted to using delta 8 THC, over two-thirds reported using it at least three times, with a significant portion using it more frequently. Alarmingly, 91% of delta 8 users also reported using marijuana.
Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, expressed concern about the accessibility of these products to teenagers and emphasized the need for awareness about potential risks associated with cannabis use during adolescence.
The popularity of delta 8 THC surged following the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp at the federal level. Delta 8 products quickly became available in various retail outlets, including convenience stores and gas stations. The study revealed that delta 8 THC is particularly popular in states where marijuana remains illegal for recreational use.
Dr. Adam Leventhal, one of the study’s authors, highlighted the widespread availability of delta 8 products to young people and raised concerns about potential developmental and cognitive effects.
Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, criticized the lack of federal regulation surrounding hemp products and urged action from the FDA to address the issue.
Shawn Hauser, a partner at Vicente LLP, emphasized the need for federal legalization of all cannabis products to establish comprehensive product safety standards and protect consumers, particularly minors, from potential harm.
The study’s findings underscore the urgency of addressing the regulatory gaps surrounding hemp-derived cannabinoids and implementing measures to safeguard public health, especially among vulnerable populations like teenagers.
Photo by: Cannafornia
