Derived psychoactive cannabis product perceptions and use among a sample of US young adults

To characterize derived psychoactive cannabis product (DPCP) perceptions and use among US young adults.

We analyzed 2023 survey data among 4,031 young adults (ages 18-34), comprising ∼ 50 % reporting past-month cannabis use. Multivariable regressions examined sociodemographics, cannabis use, and DPCP risk perceptions in relation to: 1) past-month DPCP use (yes/no), 2) past-month number of DPCP use days, and 3) among those reporting no past-month DPCP use, future likelihood of DPCP use.

In this sample (M_age = 26.3, 59.8 % female, 64.9 % White, 19.4 % Hispanic), DPCP awareness (67.5 %), lifetime use (41.7 %), and past-month use (24.4 %) differed by past-month cannabis use versus nonuse (87.0 % vs 48.8 %, 68.7 % vs 15.9 %, 45.6 % vs 4.2 %, respectively). Those aware learned about them mainly from friends/family (44.5 %) and believed DPCPs were required to be tested and approved to be safe (70.3 %) or were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (59.0 %). Those who ever used DPCPs most often used delta-8 (69.7 %) and delta-9 (44.4 %) THC and for curiosity (55.5 %), belief of federal legality (34.1 %), and friends' suggestion (34.0 %). Correlates of past-month DPCP use, using more frequently, and higher likelihood of future use were: lower DPCP perceived harm and higher perceived addictiveness. Living where non-medical cannabis was illegal, higher perceived social acceptability, being Black (vs. White), and past-month cannabis use were also correlated with past-month use (but not frequency) and future likelihood of use.

Efforts are needed to better understand DPCPs' risks and correct consumer misperceptions. Relatedly, DPCP regulation, including marketing and distribution, is crucial.