Ofir Livne1, Alan Budney2, Jacob Borodovsky2, Claire Walsh3, Dvora Shmulewitz4, David S Fink3, Cara A Struble2, Mohammad Habib2, Efrat Aharonovich4, Deborah S Hasin5. 1. Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University man School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States. 2. Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, United States. 3. New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States. 4. New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, United States. 5. Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University man School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, United States. Electronic address: dsh2@cumc.columbia.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Use of novel cannabis products whose primary active compound is Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC), an isomer of Delta-9 THC has recently surged. While Delta-8 THC has psychoactive effects and is potentially harmful, little is known about its use. We examined sociodemographic characteristics, motivations, and consumption patterns of Delta-8 THC in US adult cannabis users. METHODS: Cannabis-using adult online survey participants (N = 4,348) provided information on Delta-8 use, and other characteristics. We assessed frequencies of sociodemographics, patterns, and correlates of Delta-8 THC use. Regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of associations between past 30-day Delta-8 THC use, sociodemographic and other characteristics. FINDINGS: Among past 30-day cannabis users, 16.7% reported Delta-8 THC use. The most common consumption method was vaping concentrated formulations of Delta-8 THC (41.2%). Primary motivations for use were its legal status and perceived therapeutic benefits. Males were more likely than females to report Delta-8 THC use (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7). Respondents residing in states with restrictions on sales of Delta-8 THC products had lower odds of Delta-8 THC use (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.57, 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide initial insight into the current state of Delta-8 THC use in the US. Given the limited knowledge on use of Delta-8 THC, and considering emergence of reports indicating its harmful effects, there is urgent need for nationally representative data to investigate correlates of Delta-8 THC use (e.g., effectiveness of state-specific restrictions on its products). Such information can guide public-health policy around Delta-8 THC use.
BACKGROUND: Use of novel cannabis products whose primary active compound is Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC), an isomer of Delta-9 THC has recently surged. While Delta-8 THC has psychoactive effects and is potentially harmful, little is known about its use. We examined sociodemographic characteristics, motivations, and consumption patterns of Delta-8 THC in US adult cannabis users. METHODS: Cannabis-using adult online survey participants (N = 4,348) provided information on Delta-8 use, and other characteristics. We assessed frequencies of sociodemographics, patterns, and correlates of Delta-8 THC use. Regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of associations between past 30-day Delta-8 THC use, sociodemographic and other characteristics. FINDINGS: Among past 30-day cannabis users, 16.7% reported Delta-8 THC use. The most common consumption method was vaping concentrated formulations of Delta-8 THC (41.2%). Primary motivations for use were its legal status and perceived therapeutic benefits. Males were more likely than females to report Delta-8 THC use (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7). Respondents residing in states with restrictions on sales of Delta-8 THC products had lower odds of Delta-8 THC use (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.57, 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide initial insight into the current state of Delta-8 THC use in the US. Given the limited knowledge on use of Delta-8 THC, and considering emergence of reports indicating its harmful effects, there is urgent need for nationally representative data to investigate correlates of Delta-8 THC use (e.g., effectiveness of state-specific restrictions on its products). Such information can guide public-health policy around Delta-8 THC use.
Authors: Deborah S Hasin; Jacob Borodovsky; Dvora Shmulewitz; Claire Walsh; Ofir Livne; Cara A Struble; Efrat Aharonovich; David S Fink; Alan Budney Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2021-10-29 Impact factor: 4.492