Derived psychoactive cannabis product perceptions and use among a sample of US young adults

Cassidy R. LoParco, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. Electronic address: Cassidy.LoParco@gwu.edu.
Matthew E. Rossheim, Department of Health Administration and Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
Yuxian Cui, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Darcey M. McCready, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Katelyn F. Romm, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center.
Yan Wang, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Y Tony Yang, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Patricia A. Cavazos-Rehg, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Carla J. Berg, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-26-2024

Journal

Addictive behaviors

Volume

160

DOI

10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108180

Keywords

Delta-8 thc; Derived psychoactive cannabis products; Hemp-derived cannabinoids; Perceived risk; Policy

Abstract

AIMS: To characterize derived psychoactive cannabis product (DPCP) perceptions and use among US young adults. METHODS: We analyzed 2023 survey data among 4,031 young adults (ages 18-34), comprising ∼ 50 % reporting past-month cannabis use. Multivariable regressions examined sociodemographics, cannabis use, and DPCP risk perceptions in relation to: 1) past-month DPCP use (yes/no), 2) past-month number of DPCP use days, and 3) among those reporting no past-month DPCP use, future likelihood of DPCP use. RESULTS: In this sample (M = 26.3, 59.8 % female, 64.9 % White, 19.4 % Hispanic), DPCP awareness (67.5 %), lifetime use (41.7 %), and past-month use (24.4 %) differed by past-month cannabis use versus nonuse (87.0 % vs 48.8 %, 68.7 % vs 15.9 %, 45.6 % vs 4.2 %, respectively). Those aware learned about them mainly from friends/family (44.5 %) and believed DPCPs were required to be tested and approved to be safe (70.3 %) or were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (59.0 %). Those who ever used DPCPs most often used delta-8 (69.7 %) and delta-9 (44.4 %) THC and for curiosity (55.5 %), belief of federal legality (34.1 %), and friends' suggestion (34.0 %). Correlates of past-month DPCP use, using more frequently, and higher likelihood of future use were: lower DPCP perceived harm and higher perceived addictiveness. Living where non-medical cannabis was illegal, higher perceived social acceptability, being Black (vs. White), and past-month cannabis use were also correlated with past-month use (but not frequency) and future likelihood of use. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts are needed to better understand DPCPs' risks and correct consumer misperceptions. Relatedly, DPCP regulation, including marketing and distribution, is crucial.

Department

Prevention and Community Health

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