November 2025: Delta-8 THC, Emerging Cannabinoids, and the Future of Cannabis Policy Featuring Ryan Vandrey, PhD (Johns Hopkins University)
In the November 2025 webinar, Professor Ryan Vandrey, PhD, a leading psychopharmacology researcher at Johns Hopkins University, delivered an in-depth exploration of delta-8 THC, delta-H products, and the expanding landscape of novel cannabinoid formulations. His presentation drew on a series of controlled human laboratory studies, offering valuable insights into how product composition, formulation, and route of administration influence the pharmacokinetic and behavioral effects of cannabis products.
A key takeaway from Dr. Vandrey’s research is the similarity between delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Although delta-8 products produced roughly half the concentration of the active 11-hydroxy metabolite, participants reported nearly identical subjective intoxication and functional impairments—across both oral and inhaled administration. Particularly striking was that measurable impairments in driving and cognition were not detected by standard field sobriety tests, highlighting significant gaps in current public-safety tools and the need for updated impairment assessments.
Beyond the pharmacological findings, Dr. Vandrey placed his results within the broader regulatory and policy environment. He noted that recent legislative efforts to restrict delta-8 THC may have unintended consequences, including pushing consumers toward unregulated markets or accelerating moves toward broader legalization. Such shifts could meaningfully affect product safety, commercial practices, and the development of evidence-based labeling and regulatory standards.
Looking ahead, Dr. Vandrey outlined several upcoming analyses from his team. These include examining whether participants who believed they could distinguish delta-8 from delta-9 THC were accurate in their perceptions, as well as using a newly expanded dataset to investigate sex-based differences in responses to delta-8 THC—an area with limited existing research.
By integrating pharmacological data, behavioral outcomes, and policy considerations, Dr. Vandrey emphasized the growing urgency for rigorous scientific inquiry, improved impairment testing, and thoughtful regulation as emerging cannabinoids continue to proliferate in consumer markets.