P3A007: delta-8 Disaster: Exploring the Market for the Synthetic Cannabinoid delta-8 and Its Availability to Minors Online

Background: Delta-8 THC (D8) is a cannabinoid that is nearly identical in structure and effects to traditional THC. D8 is synthetically produced for mass consumption and, despite safety claims, has been found to contain toxic by-products and intermediates. Since D8 is not traditional THC, minors may underestimate its strength and potential danger. In fact, 77% of cases of accidental D8 exposures in 2021 were minors. Although traditional THC is a federally banned substance, D8 is legal on a federal level and less restricted on a state by state basis, making it easier for individuals to acquire D8. It is important to explore the online market for D8 to analyze ease of purchase and marketing to minors.

Methods: 45 websites selling D8 were identified and examined. The following data was collected: 1) age verification questions; 2) third-party age verification; 3) if edibles, smoke products, or tinctures are sold; 4) price of cheapest product; 5) dosage of cheapest product; 6) kid-friendly packaging; 7) flavors; 8) marketing claims; 9) warning statements.

Results: 45 websites met inclusion criteria. 36% (n=16) did not ask for customers’ age. 96% (n=43) lacked formal third-party age verification procedures. 98% (n=44) of websites sold D8 edibles, 82% (n=37) sold D8 smoking/vaping products, and 42% (n=19) sold D8 tinctures, which is concentrated D8 mixed with oil and consumed orally. 33% (n=15) of websites’ cheapest products were $0.00-5.00, 31% (n=14) were $5.01-10.00, 16% (n=7) were $10.01-20.00, 9% (n=4) were $20.01-30.00, 2% (n=1) were $30.01-40.00, and 9% (n=4) were $40.01 or more. Of the cheapest products on each website, 9% (n=4) contained 20-30 mg of D8, 2% (n=1) contained 31-40 mg, 22% (n=10) contained 41-50 mg, 47% (n=21) contained 51 or more mg, and 20% (n=9) didn’t report a dosage. 53% (n=24) sold D8 in kid-friendly packaging (See Figure 1). 24% (n=11) of websites did not include D8 warnings/disclosures.

Conclusion: The lack of age verification before allowing users to purchase D8 products is extremely concerning. The low prices, high dosages available, and eye-popping packaging makes these products extremely attractive to teens who are looking for a high. Clinicians should talk with their teen patients about the dangers of D8. Policymakers must also more strictly regulate D8 distributors online to verify that they have sufficient age verification procedures in place and to limit them from selling their products in kid-friendly packaging.