Awareness and Use of Delta-8-THC Cannabis Products in the United States: Findings from National Surveys in 2021 and 2022

Introduction: While recreational marijuana remains illegal under federal law in the United States, “hemp-derived” products that contain less than ≤ 0.3% Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were legalized in 2018. New classes of intoxicating products have proliferated, such as Delta-8 products, with few regulatory restrictions. The current study sought to assess awareness and prevalence of use of Delta-8-THC products in the United States. Materials and Methods: Data are from 69,564 U.S. 16–65-year-old respondents to the 2021–2022 International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS). Participants were asked about awareness, ever use, and past-month use of specific THC isomers. Logistic regression models examined correlates in the awareness and use of Delta-8-THC, including state cannabis laws. Results: In 2021, 14.5% of respondents reported ‘hearing’ about Delta-8 products, which increased to 21.8% in 2022 (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.59–1.95, p < 0.001). Ever use of Delta-8 was higher in states where ‘conventional’ Delta-9 cannabis was illegal (11.2%), compared with states where medical cannabis (8.5% vs. 11.2%, AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.58–0.79, p < 0.001) and adult-use recreational cannabis is legal (6.5% vs. 11.2%, AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.36–0.55, p < 0.001). Discussion: The cannabinoid market is rapidly diversifying with increased use of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, particularly in states where Delta-9-THC cannabis remains illegal. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for enhanced monitoring of the diversifying cannabinoid market. Education is warranted to inform consumers about the type and potential health risks of novel hemp-derived products.