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

J Adolesc Health. 2023 Mar 2:S1054-139X(23)00067-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.020. Online ahead of print.

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.

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