Among young adults, past-year Delta-9 THC use was the strongest predictor of Delta-8 THC use, with complex and sometimes contradictory risk perception patterns.
Young adults encountering Delta-8 products and policymakers considering Delta-8 regulation.
Delta-9 users had 20x the odds of using Delta-8 THC
What the researchers found
Past-year Delta-9 THC use was associated with 20 times the odds of Delta-8 use. Risk perception patterns were inconsistent: lower perceived severity of Delta-8 harms and lower perceived susceptibility to Delta-9 harms predicted Delta-8 use, but higher perceived severity of Delta-9 harms and higher perceived susceptibility to Delta-8 harms also predicted use, possibly reflecting reverse causation.
Why it matters
Delta-8 THC exists in a regulatory gap and its use is rising rapidly. Understanding who uses it and why is essential for developing appropriate regulations and public health responses.
The numbers in context
166 young adults aged 18-25. Delta-9 users had 20x odds of using Delta-8. Lower Delta-8 perceived severity predicted Delta-8 use. Higher Delta-9 perceived severity also predicted Delta-8 use. Inconsistent direction of risk perception associations suggests reverse causation.
How the study worked
Survey of a convenience sample of 166 young adults aged 18-25. Mixed effects multivariable logistic regression examined whether perceived susceptibility and severity of harms were associated with past-year Delta-8 THC use, adjusting for demographics, student status, and Delta-9 use, with random intercepts for state.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small convenience sample (166). Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Self-reported use and perceptions. The inconsistent findings may reflect the early, rapidly changing Delta-8 market.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: very small convenience sample with cross-sectional design and contradictory findings suggesting possible reverse causation.
When this study was published
2025 study.
The bigger picture
The complicated risk perception findings suggest that Delta-8 users may view it as a "safer alternative" to Delta-9 (explaining why higher Delta-9 severity predicts Delta-8 use), while also having generally lower concern about cannabis products (explaining lower Delta-8 severity predicting use).
Questions still open
- Are people using Delta-8 as a perceived "safer" alternative to Delta-9? How do risk perceptions change as people gain experience with Delta-8? Would Delta-8 regulation reduce or redirect use?
Common questions
What is Delta-8 THC?
Why do Delta-9 users also use Delta-8?
Read the original research
Associations between cannabis risk perceptions and Delta-8 THC use among young adults.
Journal of substance use, 30(2), 223-229
Citation
LoParco, C R; Walters, S T; Zhou, Z; Rossheim, M E. (2025). Associations between cannabis risk perceptions and Delta-8 THC use among young adults.. Journal of substance use, 30(2), 223-229. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2023.2293798
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