Study finds over 11% of U.S. 12th graders used delta-8-THC last year, according to Keck School of Medicine of USC.
In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, it was discovered that more than 11% of U.S. 12th graders had used delta-8-THC, a psychoactive substance derived from hemp, in the past year. This study, one of the first of its kind on adolescent use of delta-8-THC, sheds light on the alarming prevalence of this new cannabis product among young people in the United States.
Delta-8-THC is known for its intoxicating effects similar to marijuana and is commonly found in products such as gummies and vapes. Unlike delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, delta-8-THC is often derived from cannabidiol in hemp rather than marijuana. What sets delta-8-THC apart is that there is no federal minimum age requirement for purchasing these products, making them easily accessible to adolescents. Delta-8-THC products are widely available in various states, including gas stations and online platforms.
The research team, in collaboration with the University of Michigan and with the support of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, examined survey responses from over 2,000 randomly selected U.S. 12th graders regarding their delta-8-THC usage in 2023. The data, collected from the Monitoring the Future survey, revealed that 11.4% of 12th graders had used delta-8-THC within the past year. Notably, rates of delta-8-THC use were higher in Southern and Midwestern states, as well as in states without specific regulations on delta-8-THC or where adult marijuana use was not legalized.
Dr. Alyssa F. Harlow, the lead author of the study and a clinical assistant professor at the Keck School of Medicine, expressed concern over the significant percentage of youth using delta-8-THC, especially considering the short time this substance has been on the market. With the chemical similarities between delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC, there are worries about potential health risks associated with delta-8-THC, including impacts on brain development, addiction, behavioral issues, and accidental overdose. Given the lack of regulation in many states, there are few safeguards in place to ensure the purity and safety of delta-8-THC products, posing a substantial public health concern.
Dr. Adam Matthew Leventhal, the senior author of the study and a professor at the Keck School of Medicine, highlighted the need for public health protections to prevent the adverse effects of addictive substances like delta-8-THC on youth. Drawing parallels with the rise of nicotine e-cigarettes among adolescents, Dr. Leventhal emphasized the importance of implementing regulations to safeguard young individuals from the potential harms of delta-8-THC and other hemp products.
The research team from the Keck School of Medicine has been at the forefront of studying delta-8-THC's public health implications and has been instrumental in raising awareness about the associated risks. The study findings underscore the necessity of regulating delta-8-THC to curb its use among youth. Policies such as packaging and labeling requirements, age restrictions, limitations on sales locations, and product testing for contaminants could help mitigate the risks associated with delta-8-THC.
While this study provided valuable insights into the prevalence of delta-8-THC use among adolescents, further research is needed to delve deeper into the impact of these products. The 2024 Monitoring the Future survey will include additional questions on delta-8-THC, focusing on the forms in which youth are consuming it and where they are purchasing it. Longitudinal data will be crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of policy changes in reducing the risks associated with delta-8-THC.
Dr. Harlow is also investigating how packaging regulations, such as including cannabis warning labels, can influence youth perceptions of the risks posed by delta-8-THC products. By studying these factors, researchers aim to develop strategies to educate and protect young individuals from the potential dangers of delta-8-THC.
The study, published in JAMA, was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Michigan. The research highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the growing use of delta-8-THC among adolescents and mitigate the associated public health risks.
(Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1037279)
Delta-8-THC is known for its intoxicating effects similar to marijuana and is commonly found in products such as gummies and vapes. Unlike delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, delta-8-THC is often derived from cannabidiol in hemp rather than marijuana. What sets delta-8-THC apart is that there is no federal minimum age requirement for purchasing these products, making them easily accessible to adolescents. Delta-8-THC products are widely available in various states, including gas stations and online platforms.
The research team, in collaboration with the University of Michigan and with the support of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, examined survey responses from over 2,000 randomly selected U.S. 12th graders regarding their delta-8-THC usage in 2023. The data, collected from the Monitoring the Future survey, revealed that 11.4% of 12th graders had used delta-8-THC within the past year. Notably, rates of delta-8-THC use were higher in Southern and Midwestern states, as well as in states without specific regulations on delta-8-THC or where adult marijuana use was not legalized.
Dr. Alyssa F. Harlow, the lead author of the study and a clinical assistant professor at the Keck School of Medicine, expressed concern over the significant percentage of youth using delta-8-THC, especially considering the short time this substance has been on the market. With the chemical similarities between delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC, there are worries about potential health risks associated with delta-8-THC, including impacts on brain development, addiction, behavioral issues, and accidental overdose. Given the lack of regulation in many states, there are few safeguards in place to ensure the purity and safety of delta-8-THC products, posing a substantial public health concern.
Dr. Adam Matthew Leventhal, the senior author of the study and a professor at the Keck School of Medicine, highlighted the need for public health protections to prevent the adverse effects of addictive substances like delta-8-THC on youth. Drawing parallels with the rise of nicotine e-cigarettes among adolescents, Dr. Leventhal emphasized the importance of implementing regulations to safeguard young individuals from the potential harms of delta-8-THC and other hemp products.
The research team from the Keck School of Medicine has been at the forefront of studying delta-8-THC's public health implications and has been instrumental in raising awareness about the associated risks. The study findings underscore the necessity of regulating delta-8-THC to curb its use among youth. Policies such as packaging and labeling requirements, age restrictions, limitations on sales locations, and product testing for contaminants could help mitigate the risks associated with delta-8-THC.
While this study provided valuable insights into the prevalence of delta-8-THC use among adolescents, further research is needed to delve deeper into the impact of these products. The 2024 Monitoring the Future survey will include additional questions on delta-8-THC, focusing on the forms in which youth are consuming it and where they are purchasing it. Longitudinal data will be crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of policy changes in reducing the risks associated with delta-8-THC.
Dr. Harlow is also investigating how packaging regulations, such as including cannabis warning labels, can influence youth perceptions of the risks posed by delta-8-THC products. By studying these factors, researchers aim to develop strategies to educate and protect young individuals from the potential dangers of delta-8-THC.
The study, published in JAMA, was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Michigan. The research highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the growing use of delta-8-THC among adolescents and mitigate the associated public health risks.
(Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1037279)
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