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Cui Y, Duan Z, LoParco CR, Vinson K, Romm KF, Wang Y, Cavazos-Rehg PA, Kasson E, Yang YT, Berg CJ. Changes in online marketing and sales practices among non-medical cannabis retailers in 5 US cities, 2022 to 2023. Prev Med Rep 2024; 42:102755. [PMID: 38764758 PMCID: PMC11101894 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Given the evolving cannabis marketplace (e.g., products, marketing strategies), this study examined online cannabis marketing practices over time. Methods In 2022 and 2023, researchers assessed website content (e.g., age verification, sales, delivery, warnings, ad content, promotional strategies) among 175 randomly-selected cannabis retailers' websites across 5 US cities (Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles [LA], California, n=∼35/city). Analyses compared data from 2022 vs. 2023 and considered regulatory factors across cities. Results Similar to 2022, in 2023, 76.6 % required age verification for site entry, 85.1 % used social media promotion, and 90.9 % offered online sales (82.4 % of which required age verification and 34.6 % offered delivery). There were significant (p < .05) decreases from 2022 to 2023 in the proportions indicating medical card requirements (27.4 % to 15.4 %), purchase limits (59.4 % to 47.4 %), health warnings (38.9 % to 29.7 %), health benefits (60 % to 47.4 %), and discounts/price promotions (92.6 % to 86.3 %). In 2023, proportions differed across cities in ways reflecting whether state/local law allowed online sales (>90 % in Denver, Las Vegas, LA), allowed discounts/price promotions (100 % in Denver and Las Vegas), or required health warnings (48-60 % in Seattle and LA vs. < 20 % elsewhere). Despite all sites prohibiting youth-oriented content and all but Denver and Las Vegas prohibiting health claims, 30.3 % posted content targeting youth/young adults (LA = 8.1 % to Denver = 74.2 %) and 47.4 % health claims (Seattle = 27.0 % to Denver = 71.0 %). Conclusions Online cannabis retail presents risks for access and appeal to minors, emphasizes health benefits, and uses price promotions, regardless of restrictions, indicating need for greater regulatory efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxian Cui
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zongshuan Duan
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cassidy R. LoParco
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katie Vinson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katelyn F. Romm
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Y. Tony Yang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Carla J. Berg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Yaskewich DM. State licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries: neighborhood-level determinants of applicant quality in Missouri. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:17. [PMID: 38532499 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When state governments impose quotas on commercial marijuana licenses, regulatory commissions use an application process to assess the feasibility of prospective businesses. Decisions on license applications are often met with formal appeals and legal challenges from rejected applicants. Although prior research has examined substate disparities in the availability of marijuana dispensaries, less attention has been given to the quality of license applications. The present study analyzed the relationship between neighborhood-level characteristics and the quality of prospective dispensary businesses. METHODS During Missouri's first applicant pool for medical marijuana dispensaries in 2019, a total of 606 census tracts contained the location site of at least one dispensary applicant. Using data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the American Community Survey, fractional and binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between census-tract characteristics and application outcomes. RESULTS License applications received higher evaluation scores when proposed dispensary sites were in census tracts with greater population densities and no majority in racial/ethnic composition. Census tracts with poorer socioeconomic conditions attracted a disproportionate share of low-scoring applicants from the bottom quartile of scores. These effects were stronger for certain application subsections, particularly those assessing the quality of an applicant's business plan and on-site security. CONCLUSIONS Some communities tend to attract prospective license holders who possess better quality resources, business practices, and industry experience. State disparities in commercial licensing requirements and application processes may lead to the inequities in legal product access found in some prior studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Yaskewich
- Southeast Missouri State University, One University Plaza; Mailstop #5845, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701, USA.
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3
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Albers L, Rogers CJ, Steinberg J, Vos RO, Soto D, Lee R, Wu JS, Unger JB. Proximity to Cannabis Retailers and Recent Cannabis Use among a Diverse Sample of California Adolescents. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:643-650. [PMID: 38115623 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2294965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: As of May 2023, 23 states and Washington, DC have legalized the sale of cannabis for adults aged 21+, and 38 states, three territories, and D.C. have legalized medical cannabis. Exposure to cannabis retailers could increase adolescent cannabis use. Few studies have examined the impact of residential proximity to cannabis retailers on adolescent cannabis use, and previous findings are inconsistent. Methods: This study examined associations between proximity to cannabis retailers and past 30-day cannabis use. Data were from Project Cal Teens, a statewide survey of California adolescents regarding cannabis-related opinions/behaviors (N = 1406, mean age = 15.5 years, 48% female, 38% Hispanic/Latinx, 33% White, 15% Asian/Pacific Islander, 10% Black/African American, 5% Other/Multiracial). Participants were recruited via schools/social media in 2018-2020. Results: For every additional 5 driving miles to the nearest cannabis retailer, the risk of past 30-day cannabis use was reduced by 3.6% [IRR: 0.964; 95% CI: 0.935-0.994]. For every additional 5 miles from a licensed retailer, the risk of past 30-day cannabis use was reduced by 4.3% [IRR: 0.957; 95% CI: 0.926-0.989]. Interaction analyses revealed that among Hispanic/Latinx students, every 5 miles from a licensed retailer was associated with an 11.9% reduction in the risk of past 30-day cannabis use [IRR: 0.881; 95% CI: 0.820-0.945]. Conclusions: As the number of cannabis retailers in the U.S. increases with the continued legalization of adult cannabis use, research examining the effects of these policies on underage use is crucial. Interventions could include enforcement of zoning laws in/near residential areas to reduce accessibility of adolescents to cannabis retailers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Albers
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Rogers
- Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jane Steinberg
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert O Vos
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Soto
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Lee
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jasmine Siyu Wu
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Unger
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Duan Z, Kasson E, Ruchelli S, Rajamahanty A, Williams R, Sridharan P, Sapra T, Dopke C, Pannell A, Nakshatri S, Berg CJ, Cavazos-Rehg PA. Assessment of Online Marketing and Sales Practices Among Recreational Cannabis Retailers in Five U.S. Cities. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37699251 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With more states legalizing recreational cannabis, examining cannabis retail and marketing is crucial, as it may influence consumers' perceptions and behaviors. Particularly understudied is online cannabis retail. Methods: In Spring 2022, coders collected and analyzed data regarding retailer characteristics, age verification, and marketing strategies (e.g., product availability, health-related content, promotions, website imagery) among 195 cannabis retail websites in five U.S. cities (Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California). Descriptive analyses characterized the websites overall and across cities. Results: Overall, 80.5% verified age for website entry, and 92.8% offered online purchases (92.3% of retailers in Seattle, where prohibited). Of these, 82.9% required age verification for purchases, and 30.9% offered delivery. Almost all (>92%) offered flower/bud, concentrates, edibles, vaping devices, topicals, and tinctures. Health warnings were displayed on 38.3% of websites. Although all five states required health warnings regarding use during pregnancy, only 10.3% had these warnings. In addition, 59.0% posted some unsubstantiated health claims, most often indicating physical and mental health benefits (44.6%). Although Colorado, Washington, and Oregon prohibit health claims, 51.2-53.8% of these retailers posted them. Discounts, samples, or promotions were present on 90.8% of websites; 63.6% had subscription/membership programs. Subpopulations represented in website content included the following: 27.2% teens/young adults, 26.2% veterans, 7.2% sexual/gender minorities, and 5.6% racial/ethnic minorities. Imagery also targeted young people (e.g., 29.7% party/cool/popularity, 18.5% celebrity/influencer endorsement). Conclusions: Regulatory efforts are needed to better monitor promotional strategies and regulatory compliance (e.g., health claims, youth-oriented content, underage access) among online cannabis retailers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongshuan Duan
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sabrina Ruchelli
- Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aishwarya Rajamahanty
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - River Williams
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Priyanka Sridharan
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tanvi Sapra
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Campbell Dopke
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexandria Pannell
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sapna Nakshatri
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carla J Berg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patricia A Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Berg CJ, Romm KF, Pannell A, Sridharan P, Sapra T, Rajamahanty A, Cui Y, Wang Y, Yang YT, Cavazos-Rehg PA. Cannabis retailer marketing strategies and regulatory compliance: A surveillance study of retailers in 5 US cities. Addict Behav 2023; 143:107696. [PMID: 36966547 PMCID: PMC10674052 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
As cannabis retail expands in the US, its surveillance is crucial to inform regulations and protect consumers. This study addresses this need by conducting point-of-sale audits examining regulatory compliance (e.g., age verification, signage), advertising/promotional strategies, products, and pricing among 150 randomly-selected cannabis retailers in 5 US cities (30/city: Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California) in Summer 2022. Descriptive and bivariate analyses characterized the retailers overall and across cities. Age verification rates were high (>90%). The majority of retailers had signage indicating restricted access (e.g., no minors; 87.3%), onsite consumption (73.3%), and distribution to minors (53.3%). Retailers were likely to post warnings regarding use during pregnancy/breastfeeding (72.0%), followed by health risks (38.0%), impacts on children/youth (18.7%), and DUI (14.0%). Overall, 28.7% posted health claims, 20.7% posted youth-oriented signage, and 18.0% had youth-oriented packaging. Price promotions were prevalent, particularly price specials (75.3%), daily/weekly/monthly specials (66.7%), and membership programs (39.3%). One-fourth had signs/promotions indicating curbside delivery/pick-up (28.0%) and/or online ordering (25.3%); 64.7% promoted their website or social media page. The most potent cannabis products were most often e-liquids (38.0%) or oils (24.7%); the least potent were often edibles (53.0%). The most expensive product was often bud/flower (58.0%); the least was joints (54.0%). The vast majority (≥81%) sold vaporizers, wrapping papers, and hookah/waterpipes/bongs, and 22.6% sold CBD products. Marketing strategies differed across cities, reflecting differences in state-specific regulations and/or gaps in compliance/enforcement. Findings underscore the need for ongoing cannabis retail surveillance to inform future regulatory and enforcement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla J Berg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Katelyn F Romm
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Alexandria Pannell
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Priyanka Sridharan
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tanvi Sapra
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aishwarya Rajamahanty
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuxian Cui
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Y Tony Yang
- George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Community of Policy, Populations and Systems, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Livne O. Commentary on Han & Shi: The presence of recreational cannabis dispensaries and storefront marketing activities in residential neighborhoods-recent evidence for associations with individual cannabis use. Addiction 2023; 118:1280-1281. [PMID: 37226684 PMCID: PMC10782818 DOI: 10.1111/add.16260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Investigation into the effects of recreational cannabis dispensaries’ locations as well as point-of-sale marketing activities on cannabis use outcomes is critical for the development of effective surveillance measures and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Livne
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York,
NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY,
USA
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7
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Dobbins M, Rakkar M, Cunnane K, Pennypacker SD, Wagoner KG, Reboussin BA, Romero-Sandoval EA. Association of Tetrahydrocannabinol Content and Price in Herbal Cannabis Products Offered by Dispensaries in California: A Purview of Consumers/Patients. Front Public Health 2022; 10:893009. [PMID: 35784239 PMCID: PMC9247604 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.893009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and AimsThe U.S. legal cannabis market is saturated with products containing high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with no distinction between medical and recreational programs. This omnipresence of potent cannabis products seems to be driven by the recreational realm, where cannabis with the highest THC content is prized. This prevalence of highly potent cannabis is conveyed to medical programs, which places consumers (patients) at higher risk for over consumption and cannabis use disorder. Thus, understanding what factors influence the market that patients face in medical cannabis programs could shed light on the risks of legal cannabis. The supply and demand dynamic of the US for-profit cannabis market could explain the current market composition; therefore, we postulate that a financial gain could influence the perpetuation of the prevalence of high THC products in legal cannabis dispensaries. We investigate whether THC content in popular cannabis products correlates with higher prices and assess whether some attributes (type of product, chemovars, or presence of cannabidiol (CBD) affect the association of THC with price.MethodsWe focus on the world's largest cannabis market, California. We randomly selected dispensaries across the state, screened for a web presence and product menu, determined the most prevalent product type, and collected THC and CBD concentration, price, and other product attributes.ResultsWe observed that herbal products were more common, they had THC concentrations greater than 10%, and THC concentrations positively correlated with price. This correlation existed in flower and preroll presentations, all chemovar, and independently of the level of CBD. CBD did not correlate with price; however, the presence of CBD diminished the THC and price correlation particularly in products with high THC (>15%).ConclusionsOverall, highly potent herbal cannabis products (>15% THC) are the majority of products offered and more expensive regardless of product type or chemovar in California dispensaries, suggesting that a financial gain contributes to the current market composition. Efforts to limit the availability of highly potent THC products and educate consumers about potential harms are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- MaryBeth Dobbins
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Mannat Rakkar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Katharine Cunnane
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Sarah D. Pennypacker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly G. Wagoner
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Beth A. Reboussin
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - E. Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: E. Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
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