Characterizing cannabis use among adolescents seeking treatment for their substance use

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

7-16-2025

Journal

Journal of addictive diseases

DOI

10.1080/10550887.2025.2528314

Keywords

Cannabis; THC; addiction; cannabis use disorder

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The evolving landscape of laws and policies related to cannabis can inform patterns and trends in adolescent cannabis use. Today, a wide variety of cannabis products and alternatives are available in the legal and illicit markets. Harms associated with their use may vary depending on the amount and type of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) they contain. Few studies have examined the awareness of and use of these different cannabis products among adolescents. METHODS: Our study examined patterns of cannabis use in adolescent patients of an urban pediatric addiction clinic. RESULTS: Most adolescents seen at the clinic use multiple cannabis products, and many adolescents use cannabinoid derivatives such as delta-8 and delta-10 THC. DISCUSSION: These results highlight the need for providers to explore in depth the various cannabis products used by adolescents, educate adolescents on the products, especially due to unknown risks associated with cannabinoid derivatives, and advocate for further regulation of alternative cannabis products.

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

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