Absence of Age Verification for Online Purchases of Cannabidiol and Delta-8: Implications for Youth Access

Kathleen L Egan; Sophia Villani; Eric K Soule

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.020

Absence of Age Verification for Online Purchases of Cannabidiol and Delta-8: Implications for Youth Access

J Adolesc Health. 2023 Jul;73(1):195-197. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.020. Epub 2023 Mar 3.

Authors

Kathleen L Egan¹, Sophia Villani², Eric K Soule²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. Electronic address: eganka18@ecu.edu.
² Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina.

PMID: 36870900
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.020

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the age verification process for purchasing and shipping cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol products from online retailers.

Methods: We purchased CBD and Delta-8 products online from 20 brick-and-mortar shops located in the United States that sold products online and shipped products to consumers. We documented online age verifications at the time of purchase and whether identification or a signature was required at delivery.

Results: 37.5% of the CBD and 70.0% of the Delta-8 websites required the customer to confirm their age (18 + or 21+ years). Age verification or contact with the customer was not requested at the point of home delivery for all products.

Discussion: Methods for age verification at time of purchase are self-reported and easily circumvented. Policies and policy enforcement are needed to prevent youth access to CBD and Delta-8 products from online sources.

Keywords: Access; Adolescent; CBD; THC; Youth.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Cannabidiol*
Consumer Behavior
Dronabinol
Humans
Self Report
United States
Young Adult

Substances

Cannabidiol
Dronabinol