Assessing the Impact of High THC Potency Cannabis and Hemp Product Use on Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review Protocol

The primary objective of this project is to conduct a scoping review and evidence synthesis of peer-reviewed research examining the effects of high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency cannabis and hemp-derived product use on youth and adult health outcomes, that focuses on both potential risks and health benefits related to the use of these products and covers each of the key questions (KQs) listed below. Key Questions: KQ1: What are the effects of high THC potency cannabis and hemp-derived product use compared to low THC potency use or no cannabis use for health outcomes, positive and negative, in humans? KQ2: How is high THC potency/strength cannabis and hemp defined across studies? KQ3: Does the definition and information content related to potency vary by information source? KQ4: What are the health risks and benefits from high THC potency products? Do effects vary by product type and subpopulation (e.g. Youth versus Adult versus Geriatric age groups)? KQ5: Is there any evidence for a dose response effect of THC exposure on health outcomes related to THC potency/concentration and other use characteristics (e.g., duration, frequency, and persistence of use)? If so, does the dose response effect vary by outcome type and subpopulation?