Cannabis, Youth, Safety, and Effectiveness Research Group

Following New York State’s legalization of recreational cannabis, the lab launched a multifaceted project examining how legalization affects youth. In one eye-opening “secret shopper” study, a young research assistant (age 22, posing as underage) visited cannabis retailers across NYC to audit their practices. The findings were stark: unlicensed cannabis shops frequently failed to check ID (only ~10% did), whereas all licensed dispensaries enforced age verification. Unlicensed stores often sold cheaper, highly potent products and even used youth-friendly marketing (cartoon logos, candy displays). The lab also compared product labeling and quality: licensed outlets generally complied with state regulations by posting potency and safety certificates, unlike most unlicensed outlets. Additionally, the team’s chemists collected vape cartridges and edibles to test for contaminants and verify THC levels, assessing whether unregulated products pose greater health risks. CASNY thus provides a data-driven look at legalization’s aftermath – revealing gaps (like easy youth access in the gray market) that need to be addressed for safe cannabis use. These results have been shared with policymakers, highlighting the need to crack down on unlicensed “cannabis stores” and enforce age restrictions.

Another key project aims to inform doctors and mental health providers about today’s cannabis. The landscape of cannabis products (from high-THC concentrates to edibles with delayed effects) is very different than decades past, and many clinicians are unsure how to counsel youth who use these products. The lab is surveying pediatricians, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists to identify what knowledge gaps exist. They are also synthesizing research on issues like Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (a severe cyclic vomiting condition seen with heavy use) and the mental health effects of ultra-potent THC formulations. By understanding what frontline clinicians know and don’t know, Dr. Sultan’s group will develop educational materials or guidelines to help evaluate and treat young people using today’s cannabis. For example, initial work suggests many pediatricians are unaware that even non-addicted, casual cannabis use can double teens’ risk of adverse outcomes. The lab is preparing briefs and workshops to translate findings (like those on subclinical use harms) into practical advice for clinical care. The ultimate goal is to equip healthcare providers with evidence-based practices for screening, advising, and treating youth in this new era of widespread cannabis use.