In Fort Worth, Texas, 11% of surveyed alcohol, CBD, and tobacco retail outlets sold delta-8 THC products, with outlets in more socioeconomically deprived areas significantly more likely to carry them.
Cannabis regulators, public health officials, environmental justice researchers, retail policy makers
Delta-8 THC outlets concentrated in more deprived neighborhoods
What the researchers found
Of 1,223 surveyed outlets, 133 (11%) sold delta-8 THC. 96% sold vapes and/or flower (hemp coated with delta-8 distillate) and 76% sold edibles. Edibles cost $8.58 less on average than flower/vapes. Outlets in more socioeconomically deprived areas had significantly higher odds of selling delta-8. Most reported a minimum purchase age of 21, but 4% reported 18 or no minimum age.
Why it matters
Delta-8 THC products exist in a regulatory gray area following the 2018 Farm Bill. Their concentration in socioeconomically deprived areas and inconsistent age verification raise equity and public health concerns.
The numbers in context
1,223 outlets surveyed; 133 (11%) sold delta-8; 96% sold vapes/flower; 76% sold edibles; edibles $8.58 cheaper; 4% reported minimum age of 18 or none; disproportionately in deprived areas (p=0.02).
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of 1,223 retail outlets with alcohol, CBD, and/or tobacco licenses in Fort Worth, Texas, contacted by phone in September-October 2021. Area Deprivation Index scores merged by 9-digit zip code.
What this study cannot tell us
Single city (Fort Worth). Phone survey may miss some outlets. Data from 2021 may not reflect current market. Cannot determine actual sales volume or consumer demographics.
How to read the evidence
Systematic survey with good response rate (69%) and area-level deprivation data, limited to one city.
When this study was published
2024 publication with 2021 data
The bigger picture
Delta-8 THC represents a growing unregulated cannabis market. Its disproportionate availability in lower-income neighborhoods mirrors patterns seen with tobacco and alcohol retail, suggesting cannabis retail equity should be part of legalization policy.
Questions still open
- Has delta-8 THC retail expanded since 2021 in Texas and other states?
- Would zoning and tax regulations reduce disparities in delta-8 availability?
Common questions
Where is delta-8 THC sold?
Is there an age limit for buying delta-8 THC?
Read the original research
Delta-8 THC Retail Availability, Price, and Minimum Purchase Age.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(1), 363-370
Citation
Rossheim, Matthew E; LoParco, Cassidy R; Walker, Andrew; Livingston, Melvin D; Trangenstein, Pamela J; Olsson, Sofia; McDonald, Kayla K; Yockey, Robert A; Luningham, Justin M; Kong, Amanda Y; Henry, Doug; Walters, Scott T; Thombs, Dennis L; Jernigan, David H. (2024). Delta-8 THC Retail Availability, Price, and Minimum Purchase Age.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(1), 363-370. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0079