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Table 2 Themes in responses to open-ended questions

From: Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?

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

  1. See Supplementary Table S1 for unique responses