Online Retail of Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Products: Age and Shipping Restrictions

Authors

Cassidy R. LoParco, Department of Prevention & Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.. Electronic address: cassidy.loparco@email.gwu.edu.
Kayla K. Tillett, Department of Health Administration & Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
Carla J. Berg, Department of Prevention & Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Matthew E. Rossheim, Department of Health Administration & Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-11-2024

Journal

The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.05.004

Keywords

Cannabis; Derived psychoactive cannabis products; Online retail; Policy; Youth

Abstract

PURPOSE: The 2018 US Farm Bill's definition of hemp resulted in the proliferation of derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs), which appeal to some youth. Despite the importance of restricting youth access, few studies have systematically examined the DPCP retail environment, particularly their online accessibility. METHODS: In May 2023, Google incognito mode was used to search "buy delta thc." Among the first 100 results, data were collected from the 20 most trafficked websites that sold and delivered DPCPs. For each site, we documented the following policy-relevant information: 1) age verification measures for site entry and purchase attempts, 2) adult signature reportedly required upon delivery, and 3) shipping restrictions. RESULTS: Overall, 14 websites (70%) required individuals to indicate their age. Most websites (n = 13, 65%) did not verify age at attempted purchase, nor indicated that an adult signature was required upon delivery (n = 15, 75%). Only three websites (15%) had rigorous age verification procedures during checkout that included contact information as well as an image of their photo ID, which would then be validated through a third-party software. None required age verification upon both purchase and delivery. Thirteen websites (65%) mentioned state shipping restrictions; four of these provided conflicting information across different sections of the website. DISCUSSION: As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, clearer regulations regarding DPCP online retail sales and related enforcement are needed. In particular, measures are needed to enforce shipping restrictions and prevent youth access, including increasing the rigor of age verification.

APA Citation

LoParco, Cassidy R.; Tillett, Kayla K.; Berg, Carla J.; and Rossheim, Matthew E., "Online Retail of Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Products: Age and Shipping Restrictions" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5114.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5114

Department

Prevention and Community Health