A recent study has unveiled a significant trend among U.S. high school seniors: a considerable number of them are using delta-8 THC products, raising concerns among public health professionals and researchers. Delta-8 THC, often marketed as “light THC” or a legal alternative to cannabis, is drawing attention for its widespread use, especially in states where recreational marijuana is not legally available for adults.
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, an isomer of delta-9 THC (the most psychoactive compound found in cannabis), provides similar, albeit less potent, effects. Despite its reduced potency, the availability and appeal of delta-8 products such as gummies, vaping cartridges, and even breakfast cereals are contributing to its popularity among teenagers. These products are readily accessible in convenience stores, gas stations, and online, bypassing the age restrictions typically enforced in dispensaries.
The study, utilizing data from the Monitoring the Future in-school survey conducted from February to June 2023, revealed that 11.4% of 12th-grade students reported using delta-8 THC in the past year. This figure is particularly alarming given that 30.4% of the participants also reported using marijuana, which remains illegal for teenagers.
Dr. Adam Leventhal, the study’s lead author and executive director of the USC Institute for Addiction Science, expressed concern over the extent to which delta-8 products are reaching teens, given the lack of comprehensive regulation. The study also found that delta-8 use was more prevalent among teens in the South and Midwest, as well as in states where marijuana is not legal for adults. Additionally, white teens were more likely to use delta-8 and marijuana than those of any other race or ethnicity, with slightly more boys using both substances than girls.
The implications of delta-8 use among adolescents are not fully understood, with research on marijuana indicating potential negative impacts on memory, attention, and learning abilities. As the adolescent brain continues to develop, exposure to intoxicating substances like delta-8 THC could interfere with this process, potentially leading to addiction and other neurodevelopmental issues.
Public health officials and politicians in at least 17 states have already banned or severely restricted delta-8 THC due to these concerns. However, the study’s authors believe their findings may underestimate the true extent of delta-8 use among teens, suggesting a growing trend that warrants further attention and regulation.
As discussions about the regulation and impact of delta-8 THC continue, it is clear that more research and public education are needed to understand its effects fully and protect young people from potential harm.
