Cannabis is poisoning the next minds of America. With the recent legalization of marijuana in the United States, the drug is becoming more and more widely used. However, this rise in the use of marijuana also follows the rise in the potency of the drug. The rising levels of THC in legalized cannabis products is irresponsible as it endangers the well-being of developing children.
In recent years, the concentration of THC in cannabis products have been on a steady increase. THC, a critical component of weed that makes users get “high,” is being marketed at higher concentrations due to the mostly unregulated cannabis.
In 1995, the Drug Enforcement Administration found the average the THC concentration in marketed cannabis to be around 4%. By 2017, the average THC concentration in cannabis products rose to 17%. Companies like Shatter even advertise their cannabis to be at a THC concentration of 95%. In another study, published by Jama Psychiatry, the recent rise in schizophrenia diagnoses correlated with the rise in THC concentration. In 1995 only 2% schizophrenia diagnoses were marijuana related. In recent years, this number has risen to 6 to 8%. The percentage changes in diagnoses parallel the recent rise in potency of cannabis products.
When cannabis is taken, THC binds to receptors in the brain to alter feelings, moods, and pain. However, new studies have shown the correlation of higher concentrations of THC and feelings of anxiety, agitation, paranoia and psychosis. Research shows that high enough levels of THC in certain people can cause them to exhibit psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and the inability to distinguish between reality and the imagination. If not treated, this can quickly develop into a life-long psychiatric disorder like schizophrenia. In another study, results confirmed the correlation between THC and psychotic disorders. More than 5 times as many people who had a psychotic disorder took a high concentration of THC, compared to those who did not take cannabis at all. Cannabis with high THC levels would be even more devastating in a younger population as their developing minds make them much more vulnerable to these psychiatric disorders.
Many proponents of the cannabis industry argue that limits on THC concentration in cannabis products are arbitrary as there is not well-documented research that specific levels are safer. Bethany Moore, a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, says in a statement, “In general, we do not support arbitrary limits on potency as long as products are properly tested and labeled.” They claim that there is no solid foundation to base blaming THC for the sole reason of psychotic disorders. However, many studies disprove this theory by highlighting the correlation between rising psychotic disorders from cannabis users and the rising THC concentration. With so much correlation, there is likely to be some level of causation.
The legalization of cannabis usage requires heavy regulation by the government. As Cannabis becomes more widely used from all age groups, government programs need to step in and control the potency of the new substances. Without the safety regulations from the government, cannabis can quickly become a highly addictive and dangerous drug especially to the youth of America. Doctors around the country are constantly trying to tell the youth of America that there’s no known safe limit.
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In recent years, the concentration of THC in cannabis products have been on a steady increase. THC, a critical component of weed that makes users get “high,” is being marketed at higher concentrations due to the mostly unregulated cannabis.
In 1995, the Drug Enforcement Administration found the average the THC concentration in marketed cannabis to be around 4%. By 2017, the average THC concentration in cannabis products rose to 17%. Companies like Shatter even advertise their cannabis to be at a THC concentration of 95%. In another study, published by Jama Psychiatry, the recent rise in schizophrenia diagnoses correlated with the rise in THC concentration. In 1995 only 2% schizophrenia diagnoses were marijuana related. In recent years, this number has risen to 6 to 8%. The percentage changes in diagnoses parallel the recent rise in potency of cannabis products.
When cannabis is taken, THC binds to receptors in the brain to alter feelings, moods, and pain. However, new studies have shown the correlation of higher concentrations of THC and feelings of anxiety, agitation, paranoia and psychosis. Research shows that high enough levels of THC in certain people can cause them to exhibit psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and the inability to distinguish between reality and the imagination. If not treated, this can quickly develop into a life-long psychiatric disorder like schizophrenia. In another study, results confirmed the correlation between THC and psychotic disorders. More than 5 times as many people who had a psychotic disorder took a high concentration of THC, compared to those who did not take cannabis at all. Cannabis with high THC levels would be even more devastating in a younger population as their developing minds make them much more vulnerable to these psychiatric disorders.
Many proponents of the cannabis industry argue that limits on THC concentration in cannabis products are arbitrary as there is not well-documented research that specific levels are safer. Bethany Moore, a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, says in a statement, “In general, we do not support arbitrary limits on potency as long as products are properly tested and labeled.” They claim that there is no solid foundation to base blaming THC for the sole reason of psychotic disorders. However, many studies disprove this theory by highlighting the correlation between rising psychotic disorders from cannabis users and the rising THC concentration. With so much correlation, there is likely to be some level of causation.
The legalization of cannabis usage requires heavy regulation by the government. As Cannabis becomes more widely used from all age groups, government programs need to step in and control the potency of the new substances. Without the safety regulations from the government, cannabis can quickly become a highly addictive and dangerous drug especially to the youth of America. Doctors around the country are constantly trying to tell the youth of America that there’s no known safe limit.
Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656024127832x215987300925151170/Teens%20Are%20Getting%20Sick%20From%20Products%20With%20High%20THC%20Levels%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf