According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, over 11% of high school seniors in the U.S. have reported using delta-8 THC. This variant of THC, found in cannabis, is gaining popularity due to a loophole in the 2018 farm bill. The study, conducted by the University of Southern California, examined nationwide data on teenage usage of delta-8, a less-researched cannabis product with psychoactive effects.
Using responses from the Monitoring the Future survey, the research focused on nearly 2,000 high school seniors’ reports of delta-8 and marijuana use from early 2023. Findings revealed that while about 31% of seniors had used marijuana in the past year, over 10% had tried delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC, chemically similar yet slightly different from the more commonly known delta-9 THC found in marijuana, is often perceived as having milder psychoactive effects. However, due to insufficient research, the extent of these effects remains unclear.
The loophole from the 2018 farm bill allowed delta-8 THC to be legally sold as long as it’s derived from hemp plants, leading to its widespread availability. The study observed higher usage rates in the South and Midwest, particularly in states without recreational marijuana legalization or specific regulations on delta-8.
The study’s findings raise concerns about the impact of delta-8 THC on the developing brains of adolescents. Specialists like Dr. Scott Hadland from Mass General for Children in Boston highlight the potential risks associated with cannabinoids like delta-9 THC, such as early onset psychosis and increased anxiety or depression in young users. With delta-8’s growing presence and similar chemical structure, similar risks might be present.
Regulating delta-8 THC to prevent adolescent access remains a challenge, requiring legislative action to address the current gap in product availability and age restrictions.