Product Characteristics, Warnings, and Marketing Appeals Conveyed on Delta-8 THC Product Packaging in the US and Canada.

Abstract

Objective: Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC) cannabis products proliferated in the United States (US) following the 2018 Farm Bill and are marketed in Canada. This study assessed characteristics and marketing appeals shown on exterior product packaging for a sample of US and Canadian delta-8 THC products.

Method: Delta-8 THC packaging photos were obtained from US and Canadian respondents from the 2021 and 2022 International Cannabis Policy Study. A content analysis assessed cannabinoid content labels, presence and placement of health warnings, and marketing appeals (e.g., "hemp" descriptors, cartoons). Packages were double-coded.

Results: The sample (N=140 products) included ingestibles (43.6%, n=61); vapes (37.9%, n=53); dried flower (7.9%, n=11); oral liquids (6.4%, n=9); and pre-rolls, topicals, and concentrates (1.4%, n=2 each). Fifteen percent (n=21) listed cannabinoids in addition to delta-8 THC; 6.4% (n=9) listed other intoxicating cannabinoids (delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, and/or HHC). Intoxicating cannabinoid content (including delta-8 THC) per piece and per pack was specified for 82% (n=50/61) and 73.8% (n=45/61) of ingestibles, respectively. A minority of vapes (17%, n=9/53), dried flower (27.3%, n=3/11), and oral liquids (33.3%, n=3/9) stated concentration. Warnings were observed on 32.9% of products (n=46), including 11.7% (n=16/137) of primary surfaces and 67.4% (n=31/46) of secondary surfaces. Marketing appeals included "hemp" descriptors (43.6%, n=61), cannabis symbols (28.6%, n=40), referencing delta-8 THC's legality (25.7%, n=36), and cartoons (21.4%, n=30).

Conclusions: Delta-8 THC products come in many forms and often lack health warnings and details about cannabinoid content. Studies assessing how delta-8 THC product packaging information impacts use patterns are needed.  .