Publications by authors named "Cassidy R LoParco"
Given the diverse sources of cannabis messaging and potential differential effects, this study examined pro- and anti-cannabis messaging exposure overall and via specific channels in relation to cannabis-related perceptions (social acceptability and harm) and behaviors (use status, intentions and frequency; past-year quit attempts). Multivariable regression analyses of 2023 survey data from 4031 US young adults (Mage = 26.29, 59.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn online assessment of ready-to-drink alcohol products in Fort Worth, Texas: Which are the least expensive brands?
Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken)
November 2024
Background: Alcohol pricing policies can reduce population-level alcohol consumption. To inform these policies, it is essential to understand the price per standard alcoholic drink of the least expensive brands. This study focused on prices of ready-to-drink products because of their accessibility, popularity among young people, and market expansion in recent years.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- IQOS is a heated tobacco product promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and has received FDA approval for its reduced exposure claims.
- A study of 84 interviews revealed varied perceptions about IQOS's advertising claims, with many participants interpreting claims of reduced exposure and risk differently and questioning the credibility of the studies backing those claims.
- The findings suggest a need for regulators and researchers to closely monitor how harm reduction messages are conveyed to prevent misunderstandings among consumers.
Objectives: This study assessed differences in cannabis retailer practices by neighborhood sociodemographics, which can inform disparity-relevant interventions.
Methods: Multilevel multivariable logistic regressions examined retailers' census tract demographics (percent <21 years-old; non-Hispanic White, Black, or other race, Hispanic; median household income [MHHI]) in relation to 2022 audit data regarding marketing (youth-oriented signs, health-claims, exterior ads, price specials, membership programs, delivery/pick-up) and regulatory compliance (pregnancy and health-risk warning signage, exterior minimum-age signage) among 150 randomly-selected retailers in 5 US cities/states (Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California).
Results: 20.
Article Synopsis
- - The study aimed to understand how young adults in the US perceive and use derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs), analyzing 2023 survey data from over 4,000 participants aged 18-34, half of whom reported past-month cannabis use.
- - Results showed that awareness and usage of DPCPs were significantly higher among regular cannabis users compared to nonusers, with many learning about DPCPs from friends and believing they undergo safety testing.
- - The findings highlight a need for better education on the risks of DPCPs and the importance of regulating their marketing and distribution to address consumer misconceptions and potential safety issues.
Associations Between Opioid and Kratom Use in the USA: Differences by Race/Ethnicity and Sexual Orientation.
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities
August 2024
Article Synopsis
- Kratom, marketed as an opioid alternative, is federally unregulated and its effects and motivations for use vary by race/ethnicity and sexual orientation, highlighting disparities.
- A national survey indicated that 26.76% of participants used opioids in the past year, with opioid use significantly associated with both lifetime and past-year kratom use, though this association was weaker among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals.
- The study also revealed that opioid misuse and use disorder were positively correlated with kratom use, but for bisexual participants, opioid use disorder decreased the likelihood of using kratom, suggesting complex interactions between race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and substance use.
Introduction: Armenia's and Georgia's high rates of smoking and secondhand smoke and recent implementation of smoke-free laws provide a timely opportunity to examine factors that increase compliance, like social enforcement and support for governmental enforcement.
Methods: Using 2022 data from 1468 Armenian and Georgian adults (mean age=42.92 years, 48.
Article Synopsis
- Philip Morris International's IQOS, the top heated tobacco product globally, has a higher usage rate among Arabs compared to Jews in Israel, prompting a study to analyze marketing strategies and regulatory compliance in both communities.
- The research integrated data from surveys and audits of IQOS retailers in different neighborhoods, comparing marketing practices post the implementation of a points-of-sale display ban in January 2020.
- Findings revealed that while most marketing strategies were similar, Arab neighborhood retailers had higher rates of being invited to promotional events and reported more direct communication with Philip Morris representatives; audits also suggested that these Arab points-of-sale showed better compliance with the display ban regulations.
Article Synopsis
- Philip Morris International's IQOS, a popular heated tobacco product, was analyzed in the context of its presence in Israel, revealing higher usage among the Arab population compared to Jews.
- The study reviewed articles from January to October 2020, finding that media targeting Arab and Ultra-orthodox Jewish communities portrayed PMI and IQOS more positively than articles aimed at the general public.
- Specifically, Arab media focused on IQOS' retail locations and social benefits, suggesting a need for monitoring and regulating media content, particularly for minority audiences.
Objectives: Limited cannabis retail surveillance has been conducted, particularly assessing retailer practices in relation to consumer sociodemographic factors or use-related outcomes. This study examined young adults': exposure to promotions, health claims, warnings, and age restrictions at cannabis retailers; demographic correlates of retail exposures; and retail exposures in relation to use-related outcomes.
Study Design: This study used the cross-sectional quantitative analysis.
Introduction: Since 2020, many types of intoxicating cannabis products have entered the U.S. market.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The 2018 US Farm Bill's definition of hemp resulted in the proliferation of derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs), which appeal to some youth. Despite the importance of restricting youth access, few studies have systematically examined the DPCP retail environment, particularly their online accessibility.
Methods: In May 2023, Google incognito mode was used to search "buy delta thc.
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased since e-cigarettes were introduced to the market nearly 20 years ago. Researchers continue to conduct studies to understand the health risks and benefits of e-cigarettes to inform health education and promotion efforts as well as public policy. Studies funded by the tobacco industry examining the potential risks and benefits of e-cigarettes have also been conducted and are sometimes published in the scientific literature.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Tobacco companies, particularly those selling IQOS in Israel, showed low compliance with display bans, but adhered more closely to plain packaging and advertisement restrictions.
- After the implementation of these regulations, there was a notable rise in internal advertisements for IQOS, many of which avoided explicit brand naming but used generic signs instead.
- The study suggests that while some regulations are effective, there is a need for more detailed legislation and enforcement strategies to ensure compliance and prevent marketing circumvention.
State Requirements for Non-Medical US Cannabis Retail Personnel.
J Public Health Manag Pract
June 2024
Article Synopsis
- - In September 2023, a study analyzed the requirements for budtenders in non-medical cannabis dispensaries across 20 states with active markets, focusing on licensing data.
- - The study found that 17 states required budtenders to be at least 21 years old, with background checks mandated in most states, while varying application fees and training requirements were also identified.
- - The authors emphasized the need to evaluate these diverse requirements to understand their impact on regulatory compliance, consumer education, social equity, and the formulation of effective cannabis regulations.
Objectives: Given the evolving cannabis marketplace (e.g., products, marketing strategies), this study examined online cannabis marketing practices over time.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * Findings showed that non-users found HTPs less appealing, while current users (mostly also cigarette or e-cigarette users) reported greater appeal, particularly among those who use both cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
- * Perceptions varied on the benefits of IQOS over traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, with research indicating that marketing targets young people and those seeking alternatives, highlighting the need for ongoing regulation and monitoring.
Article Synopsis
- This study explores how different sources, such as media and social connections, impact awareness and usage of heated tobacco products (HTPs) among adults in the US and Israel.
- The research found that exposure to advertisements and non-advertising content through digital platforms and social settings significantly influences both current use and intentions to use HTPs.
- Results indicate that greater interaction with media and having acquaintances who use HTPs are linked to increased awareness, usage, and intentions to use these products; no major differences were noted between the two countries.
Article Synopsis
- The study explores how various interpersonal and intrapersonal factors impact young adults' use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis over time.
- It analyzes data from over 3,000 participants to identify predictors of substance use, such as depressive symptoms, personality traits, and parental substance use.
- Findings suggest that interventions should focus on high-risk groups and consider individual differences to effectively address substance use behaviors.
Article Synopsis
- Heated tobacco products (HTPs), like IQOS, are seen as stylish alternatives to traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, but their reception among new users needs more exploration.
- A study analyzed data from 1914 adults in the U.S. and Israel to understand how people perceive HTPs compared to other smoking products and how these perceptions influence their willingness to try HTPs.
- Results showed that positive views on HTPs' design and health benefits make individuals more likely to try them and recommend them to friends who smoke, highlighting the importance of monitoring public perceptions of these products.
Aims: Sweeping policy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic increased alcohol availability through permitted to-go sales, potentially posing unique risks to college students. While to-go sales may make binge drinking more convenient, little remains known about these practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether drinking establishments' to-go sales practices are associated with their other operational practices and state policy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF