Young Adults Using Both Cannabis and Derived Products Reported More Negative Consequences
Among nearly 2,000 young adult cannabis users, those who also used derived products like Delta-8 reported more psychophysiological and sociobehavioral consequences than cannabis-only users.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
About 45.6% of cannabis users also used derived intoxicating cannabis products (DICPs). Cannabis-DICP co-use (vs cannabis-only) was associated with greater psychophysiological and sociobehavioral consequences. Higher enhancement and coping motives predicted co-use. The associations between motives and consequences were partially mediated through co-use of DICPs.
Key Numbers
1,968 past-month cannabis users from 4,031 surveyed. 54.4% cannabis-only, 45.6% cannabis-DICP co-use. Greater coping and enhancement motives predicted co-use. Co-use associated with greater psychophysiological and sociobehavioral consequences.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey analysis of 1,968 past-month cannabis users from a sample of 4,031 US young adults aged 18-34 (June-November 2023). Mediation models examined motives, use category, and consequences.
Why This Research Matters
Derived cannabis products represent a growing and largely unregulated market. This study provides early evidence that combining traditional cannabis with these products may carry additional risks compared to using cannabis alone.
The Bigger Picture
As the cannabis product landscape diversifies, understanding the risks of combining different product types is increasingly important. This study suggests the emerging DICP market may be introducing additional harm beyond traditional cannabis.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Self-reported consequences. Cannabis and DICP categories overlap in complex ways. Convenience sample may not be representative of all young adult cannabis users.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are the additional consequences driven by higher total cannabinoid consumption, novel compounds in DICPs, or both?
- ?Would DICP regulation reduce harms?
- ?Do people start with DICPs and move to cannabis or vice versa?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 45.6% of cannabis users also used derived products, and co-use was linked to more negative consequences
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: large sample with validated measures and mediation analysis, though cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
- Study Age:
- 2025 study using 2023 survey data.
- Original Title:
- Associations Between Cannabis Messaging and Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Product Perceptions, Use, and Use Intentions Among a Sample of US Young Adults.
- Published In:
- Substance use & misuse, 60(13), 2025-2033 (2025)
- Authors:
- LoParco, Cassidy R(26), Rossheim, Matthew E(14), Cui, Yuxian(13), McCready, Darcey M, Romm, Katelyn F, Wang, Yan, Yang, Y Tony, Cavazos-Rehg, Patricia A, Szlyk, Hannah, Kasson, Erin, Berg, Carla J
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06978
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What are derived cannabis products?
Products like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and other cannabinoids derived from hemp that emerged largely unregulated after the 2018 Farm Bill. They produce psychoactive effects but with less regulatory oversight.
Why did co-users have worse outcomes?
Higher total cannabinoid consumption and coping motives (using substances to deal with problems) both contributed. People using multiple product types may be consuming more overall and using for higher-risk reasons.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06978APA
LoParco, Cassidy R; Rossheim, Matthew E; Cui, Yuxian; McCready, Darcey M; Romm, Katelyn F; Wang, Yan; Yang, Y Tony; Cavazos-Rehg, Patricia A; Szlyk, Hannah; Kasson, Erin; Berg, Carla J. (2025). Associations Between Cannabis Messaging and Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Product Perceptions, Use, and Use Intentions Among a Sample of US Young Adults.. Substance use & misuse, 60(13), 2025-2033. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2530786
MLA
LoParco, Cassidy R, et al. "Associations Between Cannabis Messaging and Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Product Perceptions, Use, and Use Intentions Among a Sample of US Young Adults.." Substance use & misuse, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2530786
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Associations Between Cannabis Messaging and Derived Psychoac..." RTHC-06978. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/loparco-2025-associations-between-cannabis-messaging
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.