Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States. Cannabis use can have permanent effects on the developing brain when use begins in adolescence, especially with regular or heavy use (CDC, 2024).
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8) use by youth was surveyed for the first time in the 2023 Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF). Delta-8 is a psychoactive substance that is typically derived from hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant (NIDA, 2024). The Monitoring the Future survey is conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and funded by National Institutes of Health.
Recent findings from the National Survey Results on Drug Use for Secondary Students, 1975-2023 show that
Among adults surveyed in the Monitoring the Future Panel Study Annual Report Among Adults, 1975-2023, cannabis use stayed at record high levels for past year use among adults aged 19 to 30 and 35 to 50 in 2023. Vaping nicotine or vaping cannabis has consistently risen over the past 5 years among adults 19 to 30 and remained at record high levels for past year use in 2023. A reversal in a gender gap trend was seen for the first time in 2023 as 19 to 30 year old female respondents reported a higher prevalence of past-year cannabis use than male respondents in the same age group. In the older age group, male respondents (35 to 50 years old) maintained a higher prevalence of past-year cannabis use than same age group female respondents. This is consistent with what has been reported in surveys over the past decade. (NIDA, 2024).
The Monitoring the Future researchers note that “the term “marijuana” is increasingly being replaced with the term “cannabis.” “In our surveys we now use both terms. We continue to update our surveys about modes of use; the estimates here include use of cannabis in any form, unless noted otherwise” (Patrick et al., 2024).
Monitoring the Future Panel Study Annual Report Among Adults, 1975-2023 found that
The Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network has as its purpose to improve implementation and delivery of effective substance use prevention interventions, and provide training and technical assistance services to the substance misuse prevention field. The PTTC Network provides
The PTTC Network has identified six areas to focus the development of new resources and training for the prevention workforce across the country. The areas of focus are listed below in alphabetical order.
New products and resources addressing the six specific areas are added as they become available.The Cannabis Prevention Working Group (WG) exists to develop training and technical assistance tools, products, and service, related specifically to cannabis prevention education to be deployed across the PTTC Network. The WG developed a Curated PTTC Network Cannabis Prevention Resources list to provide support and education for developing and implementing cannabis prevention programs. In addition the WG has supported the development of several educational opportunities and provide slide decks, videos and interactive trainings on cannabis prevention. The Network developed cannabis products include
Semi-Synthetic Cannabis Products: Public Health Concerns and Policy Solutions
This insightful session includes information from leading public health experts on semi-synthetic cannabis products such as Delta-8 THC. The panel will provide information on recent shifts in the U.S. cannabis markets and their implications, harms from using semi-synthetic cannabis products, and laws needed to effective in mitigating these harms.
Cannabis Pharmacology for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners is a 4.5 hour self-paced course that provides important information on what prevention professionals need to know about cannabis. Dr. Hayden Center presents the following 3-part series:
This training is designed for prevention organizations/coalitions and the prevention professionals serving at the local, state, regional and/or national levels that would like to learn and/or review updated and science-based information on cannabis to be better equipped to serve their communities. It can also be used to include coalition members, agencies, sector representatives and partners, volunteer staff, and other key partners, stakeholders, and collaborators and would also be appropriate for the broader public, with interest in the role cannabis policies is impacting, informing, influencing and shaping changes in their communities.
Cannabis Use in the Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mother: What Preventionists Should Know
This webinar from Dr. Sheryl Ryan enables viewers to: 1. Describe the biology of cannabis products and the endocannabinoid system. 2. Explain the adverse short and long-term health effects of cannabis products especially during pregnancy and breast-feeding on fetal and neonatal development. 3. Discuss prevention strategies including multi-sector approaches and recommendations for people who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Cannabidiol (CBD) – Potential Harms, Side Effects, and Unknowns
This webinar explores Cannabidiol (CBD) products that are often marketed for a range of different health conditions; however, there is little evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter, non-FDA-approved CBD products for many of these uses.
Preventing Underage Cannabis Use: Risk-Protective Factors & Effective Communication
This two module webinar course will focus on the research and new information about how perception of harm and related factors impact youth cannabis use. The course addresses the changing landscape of medicinal and adult personal use of cannabis change across the country and how prevention practitioners are left with mixed messages about how to address youth cannabis use.
As new developments in cannabis product development, legalization and usage patterns emerge, the Monitoring the Future survey strives to document national trends and to provide critical information for research and policy to keep pace with an ever-changing landscape (NIDA, 2024).
The PTTC Network with its continuing focus on cannabis prevention is a key resource for new prevention research, information dissemination, training and technical assistance.
CDC, 2024, February 15. Cannabis and Teens, Revised February 15, 2024. Cannabis and Public Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-and-teens.html
Miech, R. A., Johnston, L. D., Patrick, M. E., & O’Malley, P. M. (2024). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975–2023: Overview and detailed results for secondary school students. Monitoring the Future Monograph Series. Ann Arbor, MI: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. Available at https://monitoringthefuture.org/results/annual-reports/
NIDA. 2024, August 29. Cannabis and hallucinogen use among adults remained at historic highs in 2023. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/08/cannabis-and-hallucinogen-use-among-adults-remained-at-historic-highs-in-2023 on 2024, September 4
NIDA. 2024, March 12. Delta-8-THC use reported by 11% of 12th graders in 2023. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/03/delta-8-thc-use-reported-by-11-of-12th-graders-in-2023 on 2024, September 6
Patrick, M. E., Miech, R. A., Johnston, L. D., & O’Malley, P. M. (2024). Monitoring the Future Panel Study annual report: National data on substance use among adults ages 19 to 65, 1976-2023. Monitoring the Future Monograph Series. Ann Arbor, MI: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. Available at: https://monitoringthefuture.org/results/annual-reports/