Cassidy R Loparco
Biographic Data
| ID | 155087 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Cassidy R Loparco |
| GIVEN NAMES | Cassidy R |
| FAMILY NAME | Loparco |
| SIGNATURE | LOPARCO C R |
| AFFILIATIONS | George Washington University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-4206-4179 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 24 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 2 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 24 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2022 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Correlates of Derived Cannabis Product Awareness, Knowledge, Use, and Use Intentions Among Young Adults
Derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs) are chemically synthesized and intoxicating. Despite their widespread use, factors associated with DPCP use remain largely unknown. We analyzed 2023 survey data among 4,031 U.S. young adults (48.9% past-month cannabis use per study design). Multivariable regressions examined sociodemographics in relation to DPCP awareness (yes/no) and patterns of DPCP knowledge, derived based on latent class analysis…
Brands of Intoxicating Cannabis Products in Vape Shops
OBJECTIVE: Since the 2018 Farm Bill, many new types of intoxicating cannabis products (ICPs) are widely sold throughout the United States. However, there is little information on popular brands, which is essential for understanding associated risks, marketing strategies, and major industry players who may oppose effective public health legislation. The current study identified popular ICP brands in vape shops across the U.S. METHODS: In November-…
Psychological Distress, Unmet Need for Mental Health, and Associated Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use, and Co-Occurring Disorders Among College Students
Background Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAC) use is a significant public health concern among college students. This study examined whether unmet need for mental health treatment mediates the associations between psychological distress and 1) past 30-day SAC use, and 2) past-year co-occurring alcohol and cannabis use disorders.Methods College students aged 18–22 from the 2010–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health study (N = 44,865; we…
Content Analysis of Derived Intoxicating Cannabis Vape Product Attributes and Marketing In an Online Retail Environment
INTRODUCTION: The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill unintentionally resulted in the proliferation of derived intoxicating cannabis vape products (DICVPs), raising concerns about associated health risks. To inform prevention efforts, this study analyzed the product attributes and marketing features of DICVPs sold online, particularly features that could attract youth or lower risk perception. METHODS: In 2023, product attributes and descriptions of 490 flavored…
Psychedelic Use, Microdosing, Motives, and Information and Product Sources Among Young Adults in the United States
26.38, ~50% past-month cannabis use by design) completed an online survey. Multivariable regression assessed sociodemographics, mental health, and adverse childhood events (ACEs) in relation to: (1) past-year psychedelic use; and (2) among those reporting lifetime use: (a) lifetime microdosing and (b) use motives. Lifetime and past-year psychedelic use were 27.7% and 11.9% (commonly psilocybin/amanita, MDMA, and LSD); 48.8% used only for nonmedic…
Cannabis and Psychedelics Among U.S. Young Adults
This study assessed the correlates of cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization support among young adults in the United States (US). Using 2025 data among adults ages 18-34 ( n = 3227), we assessed cannabis and psychedelic message exposure and perceptions, mental health symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4]), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in relation to past-6-month cannabis use (40.5%), past-year psychedelic use (11.9%…
Effects of textual warnings and warning symbols on cannabis advertisements on product perceptions among US young adults
States with legalized non-medical cannabis require different warnings on packages and advertisements; yet, studies examining effects of textual warnings and different warning symbols on young adults' perceptions are limited. In 2024, US young adults ages 18-34 (n = 3 579) completed an online survey-based experiment using a 2 × 4 factorial design (textual warning: no, yes; warning symbol: none, leaf, THC, leaf + THC), then reported on 5 perception…
Socio-political indicators of food insecurity
Objective: Food insecurity (FI) prevalence has increased globally, including the United States (US), and disproportionately affects certain subgroups (e.g. women). Both food-related and non-food-related sociopolitical indicators may impact FI rates; however, these associations are underexplored. This study assessed select state-level sociopolitical indicators among states with higher and lower FI rates compared to the national average. Design: Cr…
Disparities in Exposure to Cannabis Marketing and Perceptions of Inequalities in Possession Treatment
Exposure to Cannabis in Social Networks and Advertising in Relation to Cannabis-Related Perceptions, Motives, and Use Behaviors Among Young Adults in the US
Within the expanding US cannabis market, young adult cannabis use has increased, underscoring the need to understand key influences on cannabis use. This study examined cannabis-related social and marketing exposures in relation to cannabis use and related mechanisms among US young adults. = 26.39, 59.4% female, 37.4% racial minority, 19.0% Hispanic). Path analyses assessed: (1) parental use, friends' use, and advertising exposure in relation to …
Associations Between Cannabis Messaging and Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Product Perceptions, Use, and Use Intentions Among a Sample of US Young Adults
Background Since the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, derived intoxicating cannabis products (DICPs) emerged as largely unregulated products; meanwhile, traditional cannabis use has increased. To inform effective prevention, research is needed to assess differences in motives for using cannabis only versus both cannabis and DICPs, as well as use-related consequences.Methods We analyzed survey data (June–November 2023) from 4,031 US young adults…
Portrayal of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on YouTube
BACKGROUND: Following the United States (U.S.) Federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, many retailers began selling intoxicating cannabis products, including Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as "hemp," claiming that it provided a legal loophole to do so. This qualitative study assessed Delta-8 THC messaging on YouTube, the world's second-most visited website. METHODS: In 2022, two researchers searched the terms "Delta 8" and "Delta-8" on Y…
Differences in Online Descriptions and Marketing of Derived Intoxicating Cannabis Products
Given the rapid expansion of the derived intoxicating cannabis product (DICPs) market and product diversity, this study assessed marketing information provided by online retailers regarding specific DICP compounds. In May 2023, we searched "buy delta thc" in Google's incognito, selected the 20 most trafficked online retailers, and assessed product descriptions and related marketing claims across DICP compounds. 18/20 websites provided description…
Young Adults' Experiences with Cannabis Retailer Marketing and Related Practices
Factors Associated with Delta-8 THC Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas, 2021–2022
Background: Delta-8 THC is a federally unregulated psychoactive cannabis product rising in popularity. However, little is known regarding its retail availability. Method: We assessed Delta-8 THC retail by calling locations with alcohol, tobacco, and/or consumable hemp retail licenses in Fort Worth, Texas, before and after Texas announced ongoing litigation surrounding Delta-8 THC legality. We linked census block area deprivation index (ADI) score…
Iqos news media coverage in Israel
IQOS was framed more positively in media targeting minority populations (Arab and Ultra-orthodox Jews), compared with general public. Arabic media in particular emphasised IQOS' retail accessibility and social benefits. These findings highlight the need for media surveillance and regulation, especially of minority-oriented media
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Cannabis, and Delta-8 THC
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or cannabis poses public health risks. Little is known about DUI of Delta-8 THC, a newer cannabis product. Using 2022 survey data among 189 U.S. adults ages 18-25 (58.73% male, 59.26% non-Hispanic White), multivariable logistic regression examined substance-specific (alcohol, cannabis, Delta-8) DUI perceived likelihood and risk in relation to past-year DUI among those with past-year use of each. Overal…
Kratom Products Are Widely Available Throughout the United States
Associations Between Opioid and Kratom Use in the USA
Experiences of Microaggressions, Attributions, and Impact Among US Young Adults
Profiles of tobacco product use and related consumer characteristics in the US and Israel
Despite tobacco marketing diversification, limited research has examined use profiles across countries, particularly in relation to consumer values (e.g. appeal of innovation, conscientiousness). Using 2021 data, latent class analysis assessed past-month use of seven tobacco products (cigarettes, electronic cigarettes [e-cigarettes], heated tobacco products, cigars, hookah, pipe, smokeless) among adults reporting past-month use in the United Stat…
Kratom Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas
Kratom use is associated with cannabis use, so retail availability may also be related. Kratom and Delta-8 THC (a psychoactive cannabis product) are federally unregulated, marketed as "natural," and often used for pain relief and/or relaxation. Kratom may have greater retail availability in more socioeconomically deprived areas because harmful substances are frequently marketed to lower-income communities. This study examined kratom retail availa…
The U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoid industry and the potential of self-regulation
Organization-Level Factors Associated with Changes in the Delivery of the Five A’s for Smoking Cessation following the Implementation of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program within Substance…
Many adults with a substance use disorder smoke cigarettes. However, tobacco use is not commonly addressed in substance use treatment centers. This study examined how provider beliefs about addressing tobacco use during non-nicotine substance use treatment, provider self-efficacy in delivering tobacco use assessments, and perceived barriers to the routine provision of tobacco care were associated with changes in the delivery of the evidence-based…
Organization-Level Factors Associated with Changes in the Delivery of the Five A’s for Smoking Cessation following the Implementation of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program within Substance…
Many adults with a substance use disorder smoke cigarettes. However, tobacco use is not commonly addressed in substance use treatment centers. This study examined how provider beliefs about addressing tobacco use during non-nicotine substance use treatment, provider self-efficacy in delivering tobacco use assessments, and perceived barriers to the routine provision of tobacco care were associated with changes in the delivery of the evidence-based…
Profiles of tobacco product use and related consumer characteristics in the US and Israel
Despite tobacco marketing diversification, limited research has examined use profiles across countries, particularly in relation to consumer values (e.g. appeal of innovation, conscientiousness). Using 2021 data, latent class analysis assessed past-month use of seven tobacco products (cigarettes, electronic cigarettes [e-cigarettes], heated tobacco products, cigars, hookah, pipe, smokeless) among adults reporting past-month use in the United Stat…
Kratom Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas
Kratom use is associated with cannabis use, so retail availability may also be related. Kratom and Delta-8 THC (a psychoactive cannabis product) are federally unregulated, marketed as "natural," and often used for pain relief and/or relaxation. Kratom may have greater retail availability in more socioeconomically deprived areas because harmful substances are frequently marketed to lower-income communities. This study examined kratom retail availa…
The U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoid industry and the potential of self-regulation
Factors Associated with Delta-8 THC Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas, 2021–2022
Background: Delta-8 THC is a federally unregulated psychoactive cannabis product rising in popularity. However, little is known regarding its retail availability. Method: We assessed Delta-8 THC retail by calling locations with alcohol, tobacco, and/or consumable hemp retail licenses in Fort Worth, Texas, before and after Texas announced ongoing litigation surrounding Delta-8 THC legality. We linked census block area deprivation index (ADI) score…
Iqos news media coverage in Israel
IQOS was framed more positively in media targeting minority populations (Arab and Ultra-orthodox Jews), compared with general public. Arabic media in particular emphasised IQOS' retail accessibility and social benefits. These findings highlight the need for media surveillance and regulation, especially of minority-oriented media
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Cannabis, and Delta-8 THC
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or cannabis poses public health risks. Little is known about DUI of Delta-8 THC, a newer cannabis product. Using 2022 survey data among 189 U.S. adults ages 18-25 (58.73% male, 59.26% non-Hispanic White), multivariable logistic regression examined substance-specific (alcohol, cannabis, Delta-8) DUI perceived likelihood and risk in relation to past-year DUI among those with past-year use of each. Overal…
Kratom Products Are Widely Available Throughout the United States
Associations Between Opioid and Kratom Use in the USA
Experiences of Microaggressions, Attributions, and Impact Among US Young Adults
Exposure to Cannabis in Social Networks and Advertising in Relation to Cannabis-Related Perceptions, Motives, and Use Behaviors Among Young Adults in the US
Within the expanding US cannabis market, young adult cannabis use has increased, underscoring the need to understand key influences on cannabis use. This study examined cannabis-related social and marketing exposures in relation to cannabis use and related mechanisms among US young adults. = 26.39, 59.4% female, 37.4% racial minority, 19.0% Hispanic). Path analyses assessed: (1) parental use, friends' use, and advertising exposure in relation to …
Associations Between Cannabis Messaging and Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Product Perceptions, Use, and Use Intentions Among a Sample of US Young Adults
Background Since the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, derived intoxicating cannabis products (DICPs) emerged as largely unregulated products; meanwhile, traditional cannabis use has increased. To inform effective prevention, research is needed to assess differences in motives for using cannabis only versus both cannabis and DICPs, as well as use-related consequences.Methods We analyzed survey data (June–November 2023) from 4,031 US young adults…
Portrayal of Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on YouTube
BACKGROUND: Following the United States (U.S.) Federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, many retailers began selling intoxicating cannabis products, including Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as "hemp," claiming that it provided a legal loophole to do so. This qualitative study assessed Delta-8 THC messaging on YouTube, the world's second-most visited website. METHODS: In 2022, two researchers searched the terms "Delta 8" and "Delta-8" on Y…
Differences in Online Descriptions and Marketing of Derived Intoxicating Cannabis Products
Given the rapid expansion of the derived intoxicating cannabis product (DICPs) market and product diversity, this study assessed marketing information provided by online retailers regarding specific DICP compounds. In May 2023, we searched "buy delta thc" in Google's incognito, selected the 20 most trafficked online retailers, and assessed product descriptions and related marketing claims across DICP compounds. 18/20 websites provided description…
Young Adults' Experiences with Cannabis Retailer Marketing and Related Practices
Correlates of Derived Cannabis Product Awareness, Knowledge, Use, and Use Intentions Among Young Adults
Derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs) are chemically synthesized and intoxicating. Despite their widespread use, factors associated with DPCP use remain largely unknown. We analyzed 2023 survey data among 4,031 U.S. young adults (48.9% past-month cannabis use per study design). Multivariable regressions examined sociodemographics in relation to DPCP awareness (yes/no) and patterns of DPCP knowledge, derived based on latent class analysis…
Brands of Intoxicating Cannabis Products in Vape Shops
OBJECTIVE: Since the 2018 Farm Bill, many new types of intoxicating cannabis products (ICPs) are widely sold throughout the United States. However, there is little information on popular brands, which is essential for understanding associated risks, marketing strategies, and major industry players who may oppose effective public health legislation. The current study identified popular ICP brands in vape shops across the U.S. METHODS: In November-…
Psychological Distress, Unmet Need for Mental Health, and Associated Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use, and Co-Occurring Disorders Among College Students
Background Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAC) use is a significant public health concern among college students. This study examined whether unmet need for mental health treatment mediates the associations between psychological distress and 1) past 30-day SAC use, and 2) past-year co-occurring alcohol and cannabis use disorders.Methods College students aged 18–22 from the 2010–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health study (N = 44,865; we…
Content Analysis of Derived Intoxicating Cannabis Vape Product Attributes and Marketing In an Online Retail Environment
INTRODUCTION: The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill unintentionally resulted in the proliferation of derived intoxicating cannabis vape products (DICVPs), raising concerns about associated health risks. To inform prevention efforts, this study analyzed the product attributes and marketing features of DICVPs sold online, particularly features that could attract youth or lower risk perception. METHODS: In 2023, product attributes and descriptions of 490 flavored…
Psychedelic Use, Microdosing, Motives, and Information and Product Sources Among Young Adults in the United States
26.38, ~50% past-month cannabis use by design) completed an online survey. Multivariable regression assessed sociodemographics, mental health, and adverse childhood events (ACEs) in relation to: (1) past-year psychedelic use; and (2) among those reporting lifetime use: (a) lifetime microdosing and (b) use motives. Lifetime and past-year psychedelic use were 27.7% and 11.9% (commonly psilocybin/amanita, MDMA, and LSD); 48.8% used only for nonmedic…
Cannabis and Psychedelics Among U.S. Young Adults
This study assessed the correlates of cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization support among young adults in the United States (US). Using 2025 data among adults ages 18-34 ( n = 3227), we assessed cannabis and psychedelic message exposure and perceptions, mental health symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4]), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in relation to past-6-month cannabis use (40.5%), past-year psychedelic use (11.9%…
Effects of textual warnings and warning symbols on cannabis advertisements on product perceptions among US young adults
States with legalized non-medical cannabis require different warnings on packages and advertisements; yet, studies examining effects of textual warnings and different warning symbols on young adults' perceptions are limited. In 2024, US young adults ages 18-34 (n = 3 579) completed an online survey-based experiment using a 2 × 4 factorial design (textual warning: no, yes; warning symbol: none, leaf, THC, leaf + THC), then reported on 5 perception…
Socio-political indicators of food insecurity
Objective: Food insecurity (FI) prevalence has increased globally, including the United States (US), and disproportionately affects certain subgroups (e.g. women). Both food-related and non-food-related sociopolitical indicators may impact FI rates; however, these associations are underexplored. This study assessed select state-level sociopolitical indicators among states with higher and lower FI rates compared to the national average. Design: Cr…
Disparities in Exposure to Cannabis Marketing and Perceptions of Inequalities in Possession Treatment
Cannabis (15 works) · Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (14 works) · Psychiatry (11 works) · Medicine (10 works) · Psychology (10 works) · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes (9 works) · Psychedelics and Drug Studies (8 works) · Young adult (7 works) · Smoking Behavior and Cessation (6 works) · Business (5 works)