Cassidy Loparco

• Doctor of Philosophy
• George Washington University

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...

Background Given the substantial expansion of the US cannabis market and the impact of cannabis advertising exposure on use, cannabis marketing surveillance is needed to inform regulations and protect consumers. Methods Using 2020–2021 Vivvix advertising data from 4 US cannabis companies (Cresco, Mindy’s, MedMen, and Uncle Ike’s), we examined (1)...

Introduction. The 2018 Farm Bill unintentionally allowed the proliferation of derived intoxicating cannabis vape products (DICVPs), raising concerns about associated health risks. To inform public health prevention efforts, this study analyzed the product attributes and marketing features of DICVPs in an online retail environment. Methods. In 2023,...

Delta-8 THC (D8) is an intoxicating compound linked to poisonings and hospitalizations, and no federal laws prohibit its sale to minors. We examined retail D8 availability near public schools (n=231) in Fort Worth, Texas, where D8 sales are minimally regulated. Between September-October 2021, trained data collectors collected D8 availability data f...

Objective Given the changes in trends of cannabis use (e.g., product types), this study examined latent classes of young adult use and associations with use-related outcomes. Methods We analyzed 2023 survey data among 4,031 US young adults (Mage=26.29, 59.4% female, 19.0% Hispanic, 13.5% Black, 13.6% Asian). Among those reporting past-month use (4...

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 r...

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...

Introduction IQOS, a leading heated tobacco product, is advertised as less harmful than cigarettes and received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization for “reduced exposure” advertising claims. Perceptions of advertising messages, including reduced exposure/risk” claims, FDA endorsements, and health warning labels (HWLs), are understud...

Kratom is federally unregulated and is marketed as an opioid alternative despite limited evidence and known negative effects. Disparities in associations between opioid and kratom use may be partly attributed to race/ethnicity and sexual orientation given differences in marketing, use motives, and prescriber practices. Data: 2021 nationally represe...

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...

Background Philip Morris International’s IQOS, with its heatsticks (HEETS), is the heated tobacco product with the largest global market share. IQOS and/or electronic cigarettes use rate is higher among Arabs vs. Jews in Israel. This paper aims to compare IQOS point-of-sale marketing strategies, and regulatory compliance in Arab vs. Jewish neighbor...

Background Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS, a leading heated tobacco product globally, entered the Israeli market in 2016. IQOS and/or electronic cigarette use is higher in Israel’s Arab population (2.8% vs 1.2% of Jews). However, previous research indicated possible targeting of the Ultra-orthodox Jewish population with more IQOS paid ads...

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 r...

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...

Introduction It is unclear how tobacco companies respond to increasing restrictions on points-of-sale (POS) (eg, advertisement ban, display ban), especially regarding newer products, such as IQOS, a heated tobacco product. This study compared POS marketing strategies for IQOS (and HEETS tobacco sticks) before and after Israel implemented a display...

The marketing of heated tobacco products (HTPs), like IQOS, influences consumers’ perceptions. This mixed-methods study analyzed (i) survey data (2021) of 2222 US and Israeli adults comparing perceptions of 7 IQOS attributes (design, technology, colors, customization, flavors, cost and maintenance) and 10 marketing messages (e.g. ‘Go smoke-free…’)...

INTRODUCTION Little is known about media exposures to heated tobacco products (HTPs). In this study, we examined sources of HTP exposure, including from paid and unpaid media and social connections, in relation to HTP use and use intentions. METHODS In the fall of 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among adult online panelists (aged 18–45...

In September 2023, we examined requirements for budtenders working in nonmedical dispensaries in the 20 states with active non-medical cannabis markets. Two coders extracted data from each state’s licensing board and/or governmental websites. The age requirement for budtenders was ≥21 years old ( n = 17) or ≥18 ( n = 3). Most states ( n = 16) requi...

Objectives Given the evolving cannabis marketplace (e.g., products, marketing strategies), this study examined online cannabis marketing practices over time. Methods In 2022 and 2023, researchers assessed website content (e.g., age verification, sales, delivery, warnings, ad content, promotional strategies) among 175 randomly-selected cannabis ret...

Background and Objectives Limited longitudinal research has examined differential interpersonal and intrapersonal correlates of young adult use and use frequency of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. This study aimed to address these limitations. Methods We analyzed five waves of longitudinal data (2018–2020) among 3006 US young adults (Mage...

Introduction Heated tobacco products (HTPs), like IQOS, are marketed as innovative, stylish, harm-reduction products distinct from cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Research is needed to better understand how adults who are newly introduced to HTPs perceive them relative to cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and the impact of these perceptions on use outcomes...

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-...

Background: Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS, with its heatsticks (HEETS), is the heated tobacco product with the largest global market share. IQOS and/or electronic cigarettes use rate is higher among Arabs vs. Jews in Israel. This paper aims to compare IQOS point-of-sale (POS) marketing strategies, and regulatory compliance in Arab vs. Je...

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 li...

Background: The 2018 Farm Bill led to new types of derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs) being sold throughout the United States. This study describes the new types and brands of DPCPs sold online. Materials and Methods: In May 2023, data were recorded from three top-trafficked U.S.-based DPCP retail websites, including information about e...

INTRODUCTION As e-cigarette marketing strategies diversify, it is important to examine exposure to and impact of e-cigarette advertisements and non-advertising content (e.g. on social media) via multiple media channels among adults in different regulatory contexts. METHODS Using 2021 cross-sectional data among 2222 adults in the US (n=1128) and Is...

Background Health warning labels (HWLs) are evidence-based tobacco control strategies; however, their application to e-cigarettes and related impacts (e.g. on perceived risk), including across countries with different regulations, are understudied. Design and Methods Using 2021 survey data from 927 US and Israeli adults reporting past-month tobacc...

Background Health warning labels (HWLs) represent an evidence-based tobacco control strategy; however, their application to heated tobacco products (HTPs) and related impacts are understudied. This study examined the impact of HTP HWLs on HTP use intentions and risk perceptions among current tobacco users. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional surve...

Objective: As the US cannabis market expands, surveillance of retailer practices, especially product health claims and risks, is crucial to protect consumers. In this study, mystery shoppers (i.e., staff not explicitly identified as researchers) examined retail personnel communication regarding product recommendations, health benefits, safety, and/...

Context Despite high smoking rates, Armenia and Georgia recently adopted smoke-free policies (2022 and 2018). Objective We examined associations between exposure to pro-tobacco media (news opposing smoke-free policies; cigarette, e-cigarette, heated tobacco product [HTP] advertisements) and anti-tobacco media (media, community-based action) and (1...

Background In the US and Israel, non-medical (‘recreational’) cannabis use is illegal at the national level; however, use rates are high and decriminalization and legalization is spreading. Thus, theory-based intervention efforts, especially for youth prevention, are crucial. Methods This mixed-methods study of adults in the US (n = 1,128) and Isr...

Background: Understanding discrimination (e.g., microaggressions) toward sexual/gender minorities (SGM) and racial/ethnic minorities (REM) from an intersectional perspective is critical in informing interventions to reduce such experiences and their impacts. Purpose: This study examined US young adults identifying as SGM, REM, both, or neither i...

Background: Facing statewide bans and increasing oversight in the U.S., representatives from the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry, product advocates, and consumers have been discussing self-policing and self-regulation. Prominent examples of these discussions are found online in Reddit groups. Methods: We conducted a qualitative thematic analys...

Background Despite the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI), little is known about DUI substance-specific risk perceptions or risk factors for riding with drunk/drugged drivers (RDD). Methods In this sequential exploratory mixed-methods study, we conducted: 1) multivariable analyses of cross-sectional survey data from 2,222 US and Israeli...

Background: Promoting smoke-free homes (SFHs) in Armenia and Georgia is timely given high smoking and secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) rates and recent national smoke-free policy implementation. This study examined theoretical predictors (e.g. motives, barriers) of SFH status, and among those without SFHs, past 3-month SFH attempts and intent to e...

Background: Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has experienced significant cultivation, use, and online marketing growth in recent years.Objectives: This study utilized natural language processing on Twitter data to examine trends in public discussions regarding this novel psychoactive substance.Methods: This study analyzed the frequency of #Delta8...

Background Cannabis marketing exposure via social media may impact use in youth and young adults. Most states with recreational cannabis lack policies regarding social media-based marketing. Thus, we examined such policies among prominent platforms, particularly those popular among youth and young adults. Methods In September-October 2022, 3 resea...

The 2018 U.S. Federal Agriculture Improvement Act ("Farm Bill") resulted in what some have called a 'legal loophole' in cannabis regulation. As different types of cannabis products proliferate, so has the terminology used to attempt to categorize them. This paper presents a variety of potential descriptors to encourage dialogue about the language u...

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 subs...

Background and Aims Delta‐8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance from the Cannabis plant that has been rising in popularity in the United States since the 2018 US Farm Bill implicitly legalized it. This study reviewed research from peer‐reviewed and non‐peer‐reviewed (e.g. anecdotal and news) reports related to delta‐8 THC to summ...

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...

This study aimed to compare negative alcohol-related sexual experiences among individuals who used (1) alcohol only, (2) alcohol plus marijuana, and (3) alcohol plus marijuana and stimulants. Participants in the analytic sample (N=1,015; Mean age=19.16 (SD=0.79); 45.42% male) completed an online baseline survey as part of an intervention study. A h...

Objective: Delta-8 THC is a largely unregulated psychoactive substance rising in popularity in the United States. This study aimed to understand how retailers explained Delta-8 THC to potential customers and if these descriptions were associated with socioeconomic deprivation surrounding the retail location. Methods: In Fort Worth, Texas, stores...

Objectives: To describe retail sales of Delta-8 THC when sales of the product were assumed by most to be legal but were unregulated by the state. Methods: Telephone data were collected from retailers across the city of Fort Worth, two weeks prior to the October 15, 2021 announcement that Delta-8 THC sales were illegal across Texas. Results: Of the...

Background Inexpensive drinks and price promotions increase alcohol consumption and have been observed at on‐premise drinking establishments near large colleges. Some bars may sell tobacco products and allow indoor tobacco use to encourage patrons to stay and drink more. This study examined drink prices/specials and associated practices of on‐premi...

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...

Background Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAC) use is associated with more negative consequences than independent use of alcohol or cannabis. Contextual characteristics of drinking episodes are associated with the quantity of alcohol consumed and related risk. This study examined whether drinking contexts may also be associated with SAC use. M...

This study examined three-way interactions between baseline levels of willingness to engage in alcohol- related sexual behaviors, facets of impulsivity (i.e., urgency, lack of premeditation, and sensation seeking) and biological sex on alcohol-related sexual behaviors 6 months later. Participants were a sample of high- risk 18–25 year olds (N = 321...

Research demonstrates associations between alcohol consumption and posting alcohol-related content on social networking sites (SNS); less is known regarding motivations behind deleting alcohol content on SNS and differences by age. The present study examined the associations of anticipated regret with posting and deleting alcohol-related content; a...

Aims: Marijuana is a popular drug among U.S. college students. In Sweden, the prevalence of marijuana use has been relatively low but is increasing. Brief, personalized interventions have been efficacious in reducing substance use, including marijuana, among college students in the U.S. However, prior to implementation of U.S. interventions in Swed...

Objective Limited research has examined how alcohol use and related consequences affect drinking-related cognitions, which is important as these cognitions may contribute to future drinking. The current study examines daily associations between alcohol use and alcohol-related negative consequences with next-day Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) soc...

Introduction This study examined the associations between alcohol-related cognitions within the social reaction pathway of the Prototype Willingness Model and concurrent (use of two or more substances within a specified time period) use of 1) alcohol and marijuana and 2) alcohol and prescription stimulant misuse. Methods A convenience sample of 1,...

Underage alcohol use is a public health concern as it remains prevalent and problematic. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) may prevent or reduce alcohol-related consequences, yet daily-level findings show they instead might be associated with increased drinking and consequences. While parents are a possible source of influence to their child’s...

The present study is the first ecologically valid, daily level test of the prototype willingness model (PWM), a model previously tested with hypothetical scenarios to investigate the social reaction and reasoned pathways toward engaging in health-risk behavior. The purpose of the present study is to examine whether days with elevated alcohol-favora...

Purpose of review: This review investigates effects of alcohol advertising on adolescent drinking. Prior reviews focused on behavioral outcomes and long-term effects. In contrast, the present review focuses on subgroups with greater exposure to alcohol advertising, research methods to study alcohol advertising, potential mechanisms underlying rela...