This presentation will explore the rapid proliferation in the availability and use of derived intoxicating cannabis products including delta-8 THC, HHC, and THC-A. The session will include information about the harms from using synthetically derived cannabis products, the predatory marketing practices used to target youth, and the challenges states have faced in trying to regulate these products. Information will be provided on the legal language and related advocacy and enforcement needed to effectively address this issue at the federal, state, and local levels. The presentation will be followed by discussion regarding strategies to support related public health efforts.
Dr. Matthew Rossheim is an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. His work, including more than 90 peer-reviewed research manuscripts and 100 scientific presentations, has helped influence the development of laws and regulations from the local- to federal-levels. He is one of the nation’s leading public health experts on “supersized” alcopops and derived intoxicating cannabis products (such as delta-8 THC). His related publications illustrate how these harmful intoxicating substances are made appealing and accessible to young people. His research has been cited in reports by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as featured by BBC, CNN, CBS, NBC, NPR, Washington Post, and The New York Times.