Ask Teenagers About Their Use of Marijuana and Δ-8-THC Products

About one third of U.S. teenagers have used one or both of these substances in the past year.

Marijuana contains psychoactive Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The related hemp-derived psychoactive compound — Δ-8-THC — is increasingly available across the U.S., often as gummies or in vape devices. Δ-8-THC is legal on the federal level; individual states have implemented various restrictions for purchase. In 2023, a U.S. survey administered to adolescents in the school setting (“Monitoring the Future”) included questions about marijuana and Δ-8-THC use. These questions were asked of all 12th-grade participants.

Of the 2186 respondents (average age, 18), 30% reported marijuana use, and 11% reported Δ-8-THC use in the past year. No significant differences existed by sex. Δ-8-THC use was highest in states without any bans or restrictions o…

Reviewing Author

James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Editorial BoardsPediatrics

James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Editorial BoardsPediatrics

Ask Teenagers About Their Use of Marijuana and Δ-8-THC Products

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Reviewing Author