New Villanova University Study Shows 87% of Pennsylvanians Incorrectly Believe Intoxicating Hemp Products Are Government Regulated
Meanwhile These Products Flood Pennsylvania’s Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
Philadelphia, (Oct. 8) – A comprehensive new study from Jeremy Kees, Ph.D., with the Villanova School of Business, reveals that intoxicating hemp-derived products are operating without safety oversight – including age gates – despite widespread consumer belief that intoxicating hemp products are regulated.
A staggering 87% of Pennsylvanians incorrectly believe these intoxicating products sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops, are regulated. The research undercovers a major gap in public safety left unchecked as Pennsylvania does not regulate these types of products masquerading as “hemp.”
The study underscores that consumers are seeking out an illicit gray market due to the inability to access adult-use cannabis in the state.
In the case of synthetic, intoxicating hemp products, harsh chemical processes are used in laboratory conversions that can create harmful byproducts. Synthetic THC is produced by chemically converting hemp-derived CBD. These products are often mislabeled, untested, and can be more potent than state regulated cannabis. This is in contrast to natural THC sold in state-regulated and licensed dispensaries.
“These findings expose a critical public safety issue hiding in plain sight,” said Dr. Jeremy Kees, professor and endowed chair at Villanova University School of Business. “Millions of Pennsylvanians are consuming intoxicating hemp products they assume are safety-tested, when in reality these items receive less oversight than vitamins or dietary supplements.”
The study, released today by the American Trade Association for Cannabis & Hemp (ATACH), surveyed a representative sample of 608 Pennsylvania adults across all regions of the state in August.
Key findings reveal:
- Widespread Usage: 37% of Pennsylvania adults have used these products in the past year, with 12% classified as regular users – suggesting more than 4 million Pennsylvanians have tried products that undergo no safety testing.
- Safety Concerns Mount When Truth Is Revealed: When survey participants learned these products are unregulated: 62% expressed concern about the lack of oversight which jumps to 70% when people learn most products are synthetically produced in laboratories
- Youth Access Raises Additional Alarms: The study reveals concerning youth accessibility issues whereas 60% of respondents believe these products would be easy for someone under 21 to obtain.
“The data clearly points to a dangerous gap for consumers. Pennsylvanians believe these products are regulated and consumers do not understand any risk they might be taking by consuming these products,” said Dr. Kees.
