More Than Half of Retailers Sold Hemp-Derived THC Products to Underage-Appearing Buyers Despite Age Restrictions.

OBJECTIVE: The 2018 Federal Farm Bill created a loophole allowing intoxicating hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products to be manufactured and sold with limited regulations. Unless restricted by the state, these products are available across many retailer types. We assessed the likelihood of sales of hemp-derived THC products to underage individuals in one large city in Minnesota, USA which had a minimum purchase age of 21 but few other restrictions. METHOD: We conducted pseudo-underage purchase attempts at establishments that reported or were observed carrying hemp-derived THC products in 2023. Buyers, 21 or older but judged by a panel to look aged 18-20, attempted to purchase hemp-derived THC products without age identification. We assessed whether the availability and purchase rate differed by community economic advantage and establishment type. RESULTS: Approximately one-third (149/452) of establishments carried hemp-derived THC products. The overall pseudo-underage sales rate was 56% (70/125). Establishments in areas of higher (vs. lower) economic advantage were more likely to carry hemp-derived THC products (40% vs. 30%) but less likely to sell to a pseudo-underage individual (49% vs. 68%). Compared to establishments that primarily sell non-age-restricted items (e.g., gas stations, grocery stores), establishments that primarily sell age-restricted products (liquor stores, tobacco stores, hemp-dispensaries) were more likely to carry these products (69% vs. 20%) but equally as likely to sell to pseudo-underage individuals (54% vs. 57%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that underage people could easily access hemp-derived THC products. It is imperative that these products are considered in assessments on availability of cannabis.