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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
07:51
Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
Marijuana and Delta-8-THC Use Among U.S. Adolescents Between 2023 and 2024
Alyssa F Harlow1, Adam M Leventhal1, Rosalie L Pacula2
1Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use remained stable among 12th graders, while marijuana use declined. Co-use of delta-8 THC with marijuana increased and was common among adolescent cannabis users.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Cannabinoid Science
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Hemp-derived delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products are increasingly available and produce intoxicating effects similar to marijuana's delta-9 THC.
- Estimates of delta-8 THC use and co-use with marijuana among U.S. adolescents are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence and frequency of delta-8 THC and marijuana use among U.S. adolescents.
- To examine trends in delta-8 THC and marijuana use and co-use from 2023 to 2024.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nationally representative Monitoring the Future Study data.
- Estimated past-12-month marijuana and delta-8 THC use and co-use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders.
- Employed regression models to analyze trends in use and co-use outcomes.
Main Results:
- Marijuana use and overall cannabis use decreased among 12th graders (2023-2024), while delta-8 THC use remained unchanged.
- Among 12th graders reporting cannabis use, delta-8 THC use and co-use with marijuana increased significantly (2023-2024).
- In 2024, substantial proportions of cannabis-using 8th and 10th graders reported co-using delta-8 THC with marijuana.
Conclusions:
- Delta-8 THC prevalence remained stable despite declining marijuana use among 12th graders.
- Co-use of delta-8 THC with marijuana is prevalent among adolescent cannabis users and increased in 2023-2024 among 12th graders.
- Interventions, surveillance, and policies must address delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp products alongside marijuana to protect youth.
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