Table 2.
Themes in responses to open-ended questions
| Theme/subtheme | Count |
|---|---|
| Comparisons between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC | 239 |
| Overall similarity of experience | 38 |
| Delta-8 THC is less intense or potent than Delta-9 THC | 38 |
| Delta-8 THC enables better mental clarity than Delta-9 THC | 37 |
| Delta-8 THC produces less anxiety than Delta-9 THC | 28 |
| Delta-8 THC produces less paranoia than Delta-9 THC | 20 |
| Delta-8 THC has a lower cost than Delta-9 THC | 11 |
| Delta-8 THC is more accessible than Delta-9 THC | 7 |
| Prefers Delta-8 THC | 6 |
| Delta-8 THC has a shorter duration of effect than Delta-9 THC | 6 |
| Delta-8 THC produces less sedation than Delta-9 THC | 5 |
| Can be more active and/or productive with Delta-8 THC | 5 |
| Prefers Delta-9 THC | 4 |
| Delta-8 THC is legal so no risk of arrest, job loss, etc. | 3 |
| Delta-8 THC is harsher on the lungs when inhaled | 3 |
| Delta-8 THC has better social acceptance | 3 |
| Delta-8 THC provides better pain relief | 3 |
| Delta-8 THC stimulated the appetite less than Delta-9 THC | 3 |
| Delta-8 THC generates fewer or no panic attacks | 2 |
| Delta-8 THC provides better relaxation | 2 |
| Delta-8 THC has lesser (unspecified) adverse effects | 2 |
| Therapeutic effect or benefit from Delta-8 THC | 62 |
| Relaxation | 15 |
| Pain relief | 9 |
| Anxiety | 9 |
| Sleep aid | 6 |
| Maintaining a positive mood | 4 |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | 3 |
| Depression | 3 |
| Migraines | 2 |
| Increasing appetite | 2 |
| Comments on the study or researchers | 33 |
| Praise for the researchers for conducting a study on Delta-8 | 22 |
| Feedback and suggestions on the survey content or features | 9 |
| Criticism of study design | 2 |
| Expressions of concern | 22 |
| Concern for continued legal access to Delta-8 THC | 17 |
| Concern for the purity of the product | 3 |
| General expressions of praise for Delta-8 THC | 19 |
| Substitution of Delta-8 THC for other substances | 17 |
| Cannabis and cannabis products containing Delta-9 THC | 6 |
| Comparisons between Delta-8 THC and pharmaceutical drugs | 11 |
| Delta-8 THC is better at pain relief | 3 |
| Dual use of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC | 8 |
| Delta-8 THC is for working and being active and Delta-9 THC is for fun, relaxation, and recreation | 5 |
| Adverse effects of Delta-8 THC | 6 |
| Anxiety (at high doses) | 2 |
| Headache | 2 |
| Other comments | 25 |
| Delta-8 THC Edibles or tinctures are more potent than vaping | 7 |
| Building tolerance to Delta-8 THC | 3 |
| Biochemistry of Delta-8 THC | 2 |
| Delta-8 THC is more for medical use than recreational use | 2 |
| Recreational use of Delta-8 THC | 2 |
| Delta-8 THC is better than alcohol | 2 |
| Does not like Delta-8 THC | 2 |
See Supplementary Table S1 for unique responses