(041) Budsinfo: A User-Friendly Platform for Reporting the Effects of Cannabis and Hemp-Derived Products

Publication Number: 1037

Background: The lack of systematic data collection for cannabis and hemp-derived products has left a gap in the public’s ability to assess the risks of various cannabis, hemp and hemp-derived products. Various substances derived from hemp, such as tetrahydrocannabinol isomers (i.e., D8-THC) appear as a product on the shelf at stores and boutiques. It seems that when a product is on a shelf at a store, consumers feel a sense of security that the product is safe, which is different from the product being risk free. Recently, data on the adverse events reported in FAERS was published on a widely used hemp-derivative known as D8-THC, raising several potential health issues. To help inform the risks surrounding these unregulated hemp products, an adverse event reporting tool was developed in July 2022 to capture experiences with cannabis and hemp-derived products.

Objectives: To collect and summarize adverse events from a pilot of the Budsinfo platform, a cannabis and hemp-derived product reporting tool.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire and the Budsinfo platform was shared at conferences, online, and to adolescents and young adults at various educational events. The questionnaire collects age, sex, location (e.g., Country, State), product-type, administration form, experience, reaction, and outcome.

Results: As of January 30, 2023, a total of 279 scans have been documented using the QR code. Most were scanned in the United States with a few from Canada and the Western European Union countries. Scans were most frequent during or shortly after a scientific conference or lecture sharing the QR code. With the highest scans in Washington State followed by Maryland.
Out of 279 scans, a total of 17 reports have been submitted to date. Two females reported never using cannabis. One male did not complete the entire form. Of those that did, (88%), Most were between 26 and 50 years (67%), female (67%) , 88% reported ever having used a cannabis product, 47% “got too high”, 33% were “just high enough”, and most allegedly obtained their product from a legal dispensary (60%); most common reactions were increased/decreased heart rate followed by dizziness; (47%) reported the event to be of moderate intensity, while 20% reported the event to be severe. One male > 50 years reported increased/decreased heartrate that resulted in a visit to urgent care. Another male reported using a D8-THC product that induced dizziness and a headache lasting 1 to 3 days. The route of administration was varied but inhalation was the most common form.

Conclusions: The initial findings from an adverse effects reporting tool designed for cannabis and hemp-derived products reveal a noteworthy willingness among consumers to share their experiences, both with regulated and unregulated products, without the need for external incentives. This demonstrates a valuable resource for collecting insights into the potential effects of these substances. To access the adverse effects reporting tool, interested individuals can visit www.budsinfo.com. By utilizing this tool, we can continue to enhance our understanding of the impacts of cannabis and hemp-derived products on consumer health and well-being.