Derived psychoactive cannabis products and 4/20 specials: An assessment of popular brands and retail price discounts in Fort Worth, Texas, 2023

Authors

Matthew E. Rossheim, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA. Electronic address: matthewrossheim@gmail.com.
Cassidy R. LoParco, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Carla J. Berg, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Kayla K. Tillett, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
Pamela J. Trangenstein, Alcohol Research Group, CA, USA.
Doug Henry, Department of Anthropology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
R Andrew Yockey, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
M Doug Livingston, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
David H. Jernigan, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
Steven Y. Sussman, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

3-1-2024

Journal

Drug and alcohol dependence

Volume

256

DOI

10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111119

Keywords

2018 Agriculture Improvement Act; Cannabinoid; Dispensaries; Marijuana; Marketing; Stores

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Retail sales of derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs) have increased in the U.S. since passing the 2018 Farm Bill and is unregulated in most states. This study investigated the types and commonly sold brands of DPCPs as well as promotional pricing on April 20th, a day associated with cannabis use. METHODS: On April 19-20, 2023, investigators conducted telephone surveys with 98 retail stores that sold DPCPs in Fort Worth, Texas (where the market was largely unregulated). RESULTS: Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC products were widely available, with 97%, 72%, and 82% of stores selling each type, respectively. Fifteen additional DPCPs were identified, and selling blends containing multiple types of THC was common. Frequently sold brands included Cake, Medusa/Modus, Torch, Urb, Kik, Tyson, 3Chi, Casper, Hidden Hills, Esco Bars, Happi, Hometown Hero, STNR, Bomb Bars, Baked, Hi On Nature, Looper, and Space God. Overall, 45% reported having 4/20 specials discounting prices on DPCPs, smoking devices/accessories, or everything in the store. Several stores also sponsored 4/20 promotional events including free THC gummies and "live delta demos where people can test cartridges and try smoking flower in the store." CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the growing complexity of the DPCP market, including numerous different intoxicating compounds and blends. Policymakers, researchers, and public health professionals should consider these complexities, as well as the commonly sold brands, when developing strategies to regulate DPCPs and protect consumer safety. Pricing policies may be an especially important form of harm reduction during events associated with heavy cannabis use, including 4/20.

APA Citation

Rossheim, Matthew E.; LoParco, Cassidy R.; Berg, Carla J.; Tillett, Kayla K.; Trangenstein, Pamela J.; Henry, Doug; Yockey, R Andrew; Livingston, M Doug; Jernigan, David H.; and Sussman, Steven Y., "Derived psychoactive cannabis products and 4/20 specials: An assessment of popular brands and retail price discounts in Fort Worth, Texas, 2023" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 4284.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/4284

Department

Prevention and Community Health