Perceptions of Delta-8 THC and the Impact of a Brief Educational Video Intervention for College Students.

An educational video about delta-8 THC increased knowledge about the substance among college students and lowered intentions to use it among those who had used it before but not recently. Perceived benefits, costs, and attitudes toward legislation were not affected. The video was developed based on an earlier survey in which students reported that delta-8 THC has weaker effects than delta-9 THC and is beneficial for mental and physical health, and that a strong motive for use was enhancing positive feelings. The results support brief video interventions for improving knowledge and reducing behavioral intentions regarding delta-8 THC.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid typically synthesized from hemp, with similar intoxicating effects as delta-9 THC. Surging public interest alongside the lack of federal regulation of delta-8 THC has led to an unclear legal landscape and increasing safety concerns. Educating young adults about the dangers of delta-8 THC is imperative. The current study investigated the effects of a brief educational video about delta-8 THC for college students. First, to help develop the intervention, an exploratory online survey was administered (N = 291) to gather information about perceptions of delta-8 THC and motivations for use. Mixed-methods analysis indicated that many students perceive delta-8 THC to have weaker (less intense, shorter-lasting) effects while being beneficial for mental and physical health. A strong motive for consumption was to enhance positive feelings, while conformity was a significantly weaker motive. These results informed the development of an educational video for students to highlight the risks of delta-8 THC and improve decision-making. Participants (N = 120) were randomly assigned to watch either a brief educational video about delta-8 THC or an unrelated control video about attending college. Results found that the educational video increased knowledge about delta-8 THC across all students, and lowered intentions to use delta-8 THC specifically for students who reported prior but not recent use of the substance. Perceived benefits, perceived costs, and attitudes towards legislation were not affected. Overall, results demonstrate support for the format of a brief stand-alone video intervention to increase knowledge and reduce behavioral intentions regarding delta-8 THC.