Synthetic cannabinoid use among noninstitutionalized individuals in the United States, 2021–2023

Background

We sought to estimate the prevalence of synthetic cannabinoid use and characteristics of people who use in the US general population.

Methods

We compared the prevalence of past-year synthetic cannabinoid use in 2023 to 2021 among individuals ages ≥ 12 surveyed via the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 173,808). We also compared prevalence according to demographic and drug use characteristics and delineated correlates of past-year use.

Results

Synthetic cannabinoid use increased from 0.17 % in 2021 to 0.26 % in 2023, a 50.0 % increase (p = .042) (0.25 % prevalence in 2021–2023 overall). The largest increases were among those aged ≥ 35 (by 255.3 %), those with an annual family income of < $20,000 (by 242.1 %), and those who used methamphetamine in the past year (by 184.6 %) (Ps < .05). In our final multivariable model, those with less than a high school diploma (aOR=2.20, 95 % CI: 1.12–4.32) and those with past-year cannabis use (aOR=13.55, 95 % CI: 8.36–21.95) and use disorder (aOR=26.03, 95 % CI: 17.70–38.29) were at higher odds for synthetic cannabinoid use, as were people with methamphetamine use (aOR=3.08, 95 % CI: 1.18–8.01) and use disorder (aOR=4.74, 95 % CI: 2.17–10.37), and prescription opioid misuse (aOR=1.75, 95 % CI: 1.05–2.93) and use disorder (aOR=3.22, 95 % CI: 1.78–5.82).

Conclusion

Survey data suggest that synthetic cannabinoid use is rare but increasing, particularly among people of lower socioeconomic status and people who use other drugs. Cannabis use disorder in particular is associated with higher odds for use. Research is needed to determine if overreporting is occurring due to confusion with emerging cannabis products.