Self-reported THC content and associations with perceptions of feeling high among cannabis consumers.
Jesse Lineham, Elle Wadsworth, David Hammond
Drug and Alcohol Review July 2023 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13664 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Repeat cross-sectional survey Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13,689 |
| Population | Past 12-month cannabis consumers aged 16-65 in Canada and the United States |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Canada United states Labelling |
| Key findings | About two-thirds of cannabis consumers did not know the quantitative THC level of the product they last used, and qualitative THC labels ('low', 'high') corresponded only moderately with self-reported quantitative levels. About half reported achieving their desired intoxication level at last use, with higher rates among more frequent consumers and Canadian consumers of dried flower. |
Abstract
Few studies have examined consumer knowledge and communication of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content among cannabis consumers, including potential differences by cannabis legislation. The study sought to: (i) examine self-reported knowledge of THC content across 10 cannabis products; (ii) examine self-reported intoxication levels; and (iii) examine association between self-reported THC levels and intoxication levels. Repeat cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Canada and the United States in September-November 2020 as part of the International Cannabis Policy Study. Respondents were past 12-month cannabis consumers, aged 16-65 (n = 13,689). A weighted logistic regression model examined the association between expected intoxication of dried flower, jurisdiction and frequency of cannabis use. Across all 10 cannabis products, approximately two-thirds of consumers did not know the quantitative THC level of the cannabis product they last used. Qualitative levels of THC (e.g., 'low' or 'high' THC) showed moderate correspondence with quantitative self-reported THC levels for most products. Approximately half of consumers across all products reported achieving their desired intoxication level at last use, with higher levels among more frequent consumers and Canadian consumers of dried flower (F = 2.54, p = 0.019). Overall, comprehension of THC levels in cannabis products is low among consumers in both illegal and legal markets.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning 104 chronic cannabis users (49 early-onset before age 15, 55 late-onset after age 15)... | 2011 | Observational cross-sectional study | n = 148 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
| Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey Online survey respondents | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| User perceptions of the benefits and harms of hallucinogenic drug use: A web-based questionnaire study Users of hallucinogenic drugs who completed a web-based questionnaire | 2010 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 600 |
| Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... | 2012 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 337 |