American states where cannabis is illegal consume more synthetic cannabinoids

In the wake of the Farm Bill (Farm Bill) for 2018 legalizing hemp and its derivatives in the United States, the market for cannabinoids derived from hemp has experienced unprecedented growth. In particular, delta-8 THC, a less potent but still psychotropic compound, has grown considerably in popularity, offering an alternative to consumers looking for a legal high.

This evolution, particularly visible in states that have not adopted comprehensive cannabis reform measures, was recently the subject of a study published by the’American Medical Association (AMA). It highlights the impact of cannabis prohibition on the increasing consumption of synthetic cannabinoids.

The landscape of hemp-derived cannabinoids

The AMA-supported study, conducted by the University of Michigan, the University of Buffalo and the Legacy Research Institute, examined trends in lesser-known cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, CBG and CBN, while also taking stock of CBD consumption. Conducted among 1,169 adults in June 2023, the study looked at the use and knowledge of these cannabinoids over the past year.

According to the study, 26.3% of participants said they had used cannabis in the past year, and 71.7% were aware of CBD. Delta-8 THC, CBG and CBN were known by 41.2%, 18.4% and 16.8% of participants, respectively. The data revealed a 50% increase in CBD consumption over the past four years, its accessibility having been facilitated by the new Farm Bill of 2018.

THC Delta-8 emerged as a notable player, with 11.9 % of participants reporting use in the past year. The study also revealed that 25.2 % of participants reported using an emerging cannabinoid in the past year. It is interesting to note that residence in U.S. states with cannabis laws is negatively correlated with delta-8 THC consumption, indicating that legal access to THC-based products derived from cannabis may deter consumers from exploring hemp-derived synthetic alternatives.

Influence of cannabis prohibition on delta-8 THC

The study postulates that cannabis prohibition unintentionally promotes popularity of delta-8-THC, a cannabinoid that occurs in minute quantities naturally, and is therefore synthesized from CBD in the laboratory. The authors point out that the prevalence of delta-8-THC use is higher in states without medical or adult-use cannabis laws, suggesting that legal restrictions unintentionally drive consumers towards this synthetic cannabinoid. People living in states without recreational cannabis laws were more than twice as likely to have used delta-8 THC in the past year.

The authors of the study emphasize the importance of these findings, stating, «The higher consumption of delta-8 THC in states without medical or adult-use cannabis laws suggests that cannabis prohibition may unintentionally promote delta-8 THC use.».

This observation raises concerns about the unintended consequences of cannabis prohibition, particularly in the youngest age groups, where cannabis use in the past year was more widespread.

The study acknowledges the lack of controlled human studies on neocannabinoids, but point out that survey data indicate that these products are commonly used to treat sleep or pain, as substitutes for other pharmaceutical products. In light of these findings, the authors advocate continued public health surveillance efforts to monitor new cannabinoids due to the lack of industry standards and the potentially similar effects of delta-8 THC and its hemp-derived equivalents compared to delta-9 THC.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also commented on the issue, stating that synthetic cannabinoids were prohibited. A recent revelation of 2023 confirmed that delta-8 THC synthesized from legal CBD is considered a prohibited controlled substance by the DEA. The issue should be addressed head-on in the next version of the Farm Bill, initially scheduled for this year, but now postponed until 2024.