Marijuana and Delta-8-THC Use Among U.S. Adolescents Between 2023 and 2024.
cross_sectional · Level IV
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42295130.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.amepre.2026.108410.
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Abstract
Hemp-derived cannabis products containing delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol have become increasingly available in the U.S. and produce intoxicating effects similar to those of marijuana products containing naturally occurring delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Prevalence estimates of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol use and co-use with marijuana among U.S. adolescents are needed. Using nationally representative Monitoring the Future Study data (analyzed in 2025-2026), the prevalence and frequency of self-reported past-12-month marijuana and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol use among U.S. 12th graders from 2023 to 2024 and among 8th and 10th graders in 2024 were estimated. Regression models examined unadjusted associations of survey year with marijuana and/or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol use and co-use outcomes in 12th graders. For 8th and 10th graders, only single-year 2024 estimates of marijuana and/or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol use and co-use were available. Among 12th graders from 2023 to 2024, past-12-month marijuana (30.4% vs 25.5%; risk ratio=0.84 [95% CI=0.73, 0.97]) and any cannabis (marijuana and/or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol; 31.5% vs 26.3%; risk ratio=0.83 [95% CI=0.73, 0.96]) use decreased; delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol use was unchanged (11.4% vs 12.0%; risk ratio=1.06 [95% CI=0.84, 1.33]). Among 12th graders who reported using any cannabis (marijuana and/or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol), delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol use (36.1% vs 45.8%; risk ratio=1.27 [95% CI=1.01, 1.60]) and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol and marijuana co-use (32.8% vs 43.0%; risk ratio=1.31 [95% CI=1.04, 1.66]) increased during 2023-2024. In younger grades, appreciable proportions of cannabis-using adolescents co-used delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol with marijuana (8th grade: 34.2%; 10th grade: 47.4%) in 2024. Despite declines in marijuana use prevalence, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol use prevalence remained unchanged during 2023-2024 among U.S. 12th graders. Among cannabis-using youth, co-use of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol with marijuana was common across all grades in 2024 and increased during 2023-2024 among 12th graders. Addressing delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol and other intoxicating hemp products alongside marijuana in cannabis interventions, surveillance, and policies is critical for protecting U.S. youth.