2:30pm - 3:30pm (CDT) | 4191.0 - "diet weed" or deception? evaluating the marketing and health information of "federally legal cannabis" products

Session: Cannabis Product Marketing, Health Warnings, and Behavioral and Health Impacts

Program: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Author: Meredith Mcgee, MPH Candidate

Presenter: Chess Blacklock, MPH Student

Abstract

Background

As states legalize medical and recreational cannabis, and with the potential federal rescheduling of marijuana, companies are exploiting legal loopholes, such as the 2018 Farm Bill, to produce and market hemp-derived THC products. These "federally legal cannabis" products often lack transparency, testing, and marketing regulations, allowing for questionable marketing practices that may appeal to children. This study aims to evaluate the health information, regulation, and marketing practices associated with these products.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive online search using Google with Boolean search terms related to hemp-derived THC consumables, their legality, and online availability. We assessed the online presence of companies selling at least one hemp-derived THC consumable product and marketing their products as "federally legal" or available for online purchase. We collected data on product types, THC concentrations, health warnings, lab testing, dosage guidance, target audience, legal claims, and youth-appealing marketing tactics. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate the quality of consumer health information provided by each company.

Results

Preliminary findings suggest that "federally legal cannabis" products often lack comprehensive health information and are subject to minimal regulation and testing compared to state-regulated cannabis products. The marketing of these products may also employ tactics that appeal to youth, such as colorful ads, young models, and youth-appealing flavors.

Conclusions

Establishing consistent manufacturing and marketing regulations for both hemp-derived and state-regulated cannabis products is crucial to ensure public health and safety, particularly in protecting youth from targeted marketing strategies. This study's findings may inform future policy decisions to address the current regulatory gaps in the hemp-derived THC market.