October 2024
Collaboration is the heart of substance use prevention. In a rapidly evolving world where cannabis use, regulation, and public health intersect, no single entity can address these challenges in isolation. One of the key benefits of collaboration is the ability to combine resources and share knowledge. The South Los Angeles Movement (SLAM) Coalition collaborates with other coalitions, like the Rethinking Access to Marijuana (RAM) Coalition. The mission of RAM is to prevent access and availability that leads to the use of marijuana (legally known as cannabis) products by youth in Los Angeles County.
Although in California, cannabis is legal for recreational and medicinal use, cities and counties in California have the authority to ban businesses from selling cannabis products. Even with cannabis bans, it is common for illegal cannabis businesses to operate undercover. A 2020 study found that unincorporated cities in California tend to have a higher amount of operating unlicensed cannabis businesses (Unger et.al, 2020)
From news reports, doctors, and distraught parents we noted the rising popularity of a “new” and “legal” THC product, Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is made from hemp. Due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. While 0.3% THC may not seem like a lot, it’s still enough to create a “high” for many users. Another alarming concern is that it can be sold anywhere: online, in smoke shops, at gas stations, and other places accessible to youth! Delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use and may be marketed in ways that put public health at risk (FDA,2022). The natural amount of delta-8 THC in hemp is very low, and additional chemicals are needed to convert other cannabinoids in hemp, like CBD, into delta-8 THC. This means that there are no regulations controlling how these products are made.
From July 2023- June 2024, we collaborated with RAM to implement the second round of the Smoke Shop Initiative (SMI).The SMI required environmental surveillance of tobacco shops within 1,000 feet of schools in 8 Los Angeles County Service Planning Areas (SPA). Prevention providers went into the stores to assess if Delta-8 THC products of other unregulated cannabinoids were being sold.
The initiative has not only empowered local providers but also provided valuable data to policymakers. Between November 2023 and March 2024, RAM and various Los Angeles-based coalitions conducted 89 environmental scans of smoke shops located within 1,000 feet of middle and high schools. They also highlighted concerns about the inconsistent ID-checking practices in some tobacco shops, increasing the risk of youth exposure to harmful substances. These assessments documented the growing presence of smoke shops in sensitive areas. The collected data plays a crucial role in helping public health officials make informed decisions about the regulation of smoke shops. Not only did we create educational materials for community members we also began showing them how to report the sale of unregulated and potentially harmful products. Our collaborative work exemplifies how effective collaboration can foster stronger coalitions, drive impactful outcomes, and build resilient communities.
Sources:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
Unger, J. B., Vos, R. O., Wu, J. S., Hardaway, K., Sarain, A. Y. L., Soto, D. W., Rogers, C., & Steinberg, J. (2020). Locations of licensed and unlicensed cannabis retailers in California: A threat to health equity?. Preventive medicine reports, 19, 101165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101165
https://lacountyram.org
