Perceptions of Delta-8 THC and the Impact of a Brief Educational Video Intervention for College Students.
Destin Rothe, Erica K Yuen, Kathleen A Moore, Cynthia E Gangi, Mary Martinasek
The journal of behavioral health services & research April 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1007/s11414-025-09983-x via PubMed
Summary
An educational video about delta-8 THC increased college students' knowledge of the substance and lowered intentions to use it among those who had used it before but not recently. Perceived benefits, costs, and attitudes toward legislation were unchanged. The video did not affect students who had never used delta-8 THC or those who used it recently. An initial survey of 291 students found many believed delta-8 THC has weaker effects and benefits mental and physical health, with enhancing positive feelings a strong motive for use.
Study at a glance
| Design | randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 120 |
| Population | college students |
| Key finding | A brief educational video about delta-8 THC increased knowledge and reduced intentions to use it among students with prior but not recent use, but did not change perceived benefits, costs, or attitudes toward legislation. |
Abstract
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid typically synthesized from hemp, with similar intoxicating effects as delta-9 THC. Surging public interest alongside the lack of federal regulation of delta-8 THC has led to an unclear legal landscape and increasing safety concerns. Educating young adults about the dangers of delta-8 THC is imperative. The current study investigated the effects of a brief educational video about delta-8 THC for college students. First, to help develop the intervention, an exploratory online survey was administered (N = 291) to gather information about perceptions of delta-8 THC and motivations for use. Mixed-methods analysis indicated that many students perceive delta-8 THC to have weaker (less intense, shorter-lasting) effects while being beneficial for mental and physical health. A strong motive for consumption was to enhance positive feelings, while conformity was a significantly weaker motive. These results informed the development of an educational video for students to highlight the risks of delta-8 THC and improve decision-making. Participants (N = 120) were randomly assigned to watch either a brief educational video about delta-8 THC or an unrelated control video about attending college. Results found that the educational video increased knowledge about delta-8 THC across all students, and lowered intentions to use delta-8 THC specifically for students who reported prior but not recent use of the substance. Perceived benefits, perceived costs, and attitudes towards legislation were not affected. Overall, results demonstrate support for the format of a brief stand-alone video intervention to increase knowledge and reduce behavioral intentions regarding delta-8 THC.