A new study found that hemp THC products were sold to pseudo-underage buyers without checking ID more than half the time during purchase attempts in Minnesota. By comparison, ID check rates at licensed cannabis stores is over 95%.
The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, was conducted by researchers from the University of California and the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
Researchers examined the availability of hemp-derived THC products following the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, which allowed hemp products with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight but also opened the door for intoxicating hemp-derived products to be sold with limited federal oversight.
For the study, researchers conducted purchase attempts in 2023 at businesses that reported carrying hemp-derived THC products or were observed selling them. The buyers were 21 or older but were judged by a panel to appear between 18 and 20. They attempted to buy hemp-derived THC products without providing identification.
Of the 452 establishments reviewed, 149, or about one-third, carried hemp-derived THC products. Among the 125 purchase attempts, 70 resulted in a sale, for an overall pseudo-underage sales rate of 56%.
Businesses in areas with higher economic advantage were more likely to carry the products than those in lower-advantage areas, at 40% compared to 30%. However, they were less likely to sell to a pseudo-underage buyer, with a sales rate of 49% compared to 68%.
Establishments that primarily sell age-restricted products, including liquor stores, tobacco stores and hemp dispensaries, were far more likely to carry hemp-derived THC products than stores focused on non-age-restricted items such as gas stations and grocery stores, at 69% compared to 20%. However, both categories sold to pseudo-underage buyers at similar rates.
The researchers concluded that underage individuals may be able to easily access hemp-derived THC products, adding that these products should be included when evaluating marijuana availability and youth access.
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