American States Where Cannabis Is Illegal See Higher Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids

A new study has shown high use of synthetic cannabinoids in U.S. states where cannabis is illegal, suggesting prohibition may inadvertently increase the popularity of these dangerous alternatives. The trend has raised public health concerns, with the DEA classifying delta-8 THC synthesized from legal CBD as a controlled substance, and the upcoming Farm Bill is expected to address these issues.

In the wake of the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp and its derivatives in the United States, the market for cannabinoids derived from hemp has experienced unprecedented growth. Notably, delta-8 THC, a less potent but still psychoactive compound, has gained considerable popularity, offering an alternative to those seeking a legal high.

This trend, particularly evident in states that have not adopted comprehensive cannabis reform measures, was recently the focus of a study published by the American Medical Association (AMA). It highlights the impact of cannabis prohibition on the increase in synthetic cannabinoid use.

The Landscape of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

Supported by the AMA, the study conducted by the University of Michigan, the University of Buffalo, and the Legacy Research Institute examined trends in lesser-known cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, CBG, and CBN, while also assessing CBD use. Conducted in June 2023 with 1,169 adults, the study looked at the use and awareness of these cannabinoids over the past year.

According to the study, 26.3% of participants reported using cannabis in the past year, and 71.7% were familiar with CBD. Delta-8 THC, CBG, and CBN were known to 41.2%, 18.4%, and 16.8% of participants, respectively. Data revealed a 50% increase in CBD consumption over the past four years, facilitated by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Delta-8 THC emerged as a notable player, with 11.9% of participants reporting its use in the past year. The study also found that 25.2% of participants had used an emerging cannabinoid in the past year. Interestingly, residing in American states with cannabis laws negatively correlates with delta-8 THC use, suggesting that legal access to THC-based cannabis products may deter consumers from exploring synthetic hemp-derived alternatives.

Impact of Cannabis Prohibition on Delta-8 THC

The study posits that cannabis prohibition inadvertently promotes the popularity of delta-8-THC, a cannabinoid naturally occurring in minute quantities and thus synthesized in laboratories from CBD. The authors note that delta-8-THC use is more prevalent in states without medical or adult-use cannabis laws, suggesting that legal restrictions inadvertently drive consumers toward 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 study’s authors emphasize the significance of these findings: “Higher delta-8 THC use in states without medical or adult-use cannabis laws suggests that cannabis prohibition may inadvertently promote delta-8 THC use.”

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

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

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

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(Featured image by TX Attorney General (CC BY-ND 2.0) via Flickr)

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