Young Adults Using Both Cannabis and Derived Products Reported More Negative Consequences | Research

The takeaway

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.

Young adults using multiple cannabis products and researchers studying emerging cannabis market risks.

45.6% of cannabis users also used derived products, and co-use was linked to more negative consequences

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: large sample with validated measures and mediation analysis, though cross-sectional design limits causal inference.

When this study was published

2025 study using 2023 survey data.

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

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

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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