Plant marijuana products

Before the 1990s THC potency^[1] in cannabis was under 2%. By 1995 it had doubled in strength to 4%. Today, products can be up to 7 times more potent than they were in 1995 ranging from 15% to 28%. For example, one website features a product called Pancakes^[2] that boasts 27% THC potency that offers “the taste of sweet berries with the batter-like smell of pancakes”.

Parents and other caregivers may notice the smell of “skunk” marijuana. It has a very distinctive odor just like the animal. The potency varies but is considered a stronger form of cannabis to smoke. Terms like “strong”, “premium” or “high-grade” refer to high THC levels rather than the quality of the products.

Extracts and concentrates

Extracts and concentrates are commonly used by young people in various types of vaping or dabbing devices, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. They can have upwards of 90% THC.^[3] Many of these forms of cannabis can be more discreet to use. Additionally, they don’t produce a strong odor and have a higher concentration of THC than ever before.

Edibles like candy, baked goods, infused butter and cooking oils as well as drinks, can be particularly tricky as the effects aren’t readily noticeable. Because they are processed through the stomach it may take as long as 1 to 3 hours to feel the effects. As a result, people will often eat more of a product because they aren’t getting the desired effect quickly enough, only to feel “too high” a little later.

You may have heard of “420”^[4] which refers to April 20^th as National Smoke-out Day. It has been celebrated as a day to smoke marijuana around the country. 420 can also be seen in teens’ text messages referring to getting together to smoke.

With the increase in the number of high potency products, “710”^[5] has become increasingly popular. If you turn the number upside down, you can read the word “oil”, which refers to high potency products like dabs or the oils in vape cartridges. Similar to April 20th, July 10th is considered a day to enjoy these products. Competitions are popping up across the country like the 710 Degree Cup^[6] which gives prizes for the best hash and extracts.

Using a cannabis product with a THC potency of over 15% is linked to a three-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing mental health and other problems.  These can include:

• Increased anxiety
• More suicidal thoughts
• Psychosis (g., seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, fearful of someone watching you) including schizophrenia^[7]
• Increased ER visits and calls to poison control for cannabis intoxication.
• Cannabis Use Disorder which is what healthcare professionals refer to as problem cannabis use or addiction.

People who use cannabis products daily with a THC potency greater than 15% are five times more likely to experience psychosis.^[8]

Many states are debating whether to put limits on THC^[9] strength as a matter of public health and safety. The calls to restrict the amount of THC are driven by concerns over youth access to products that can impact their developing brains as well as rising calls to Poison Control and ER visits.

Some states have capped THC in products^[10] including cookies, candy bars, and gummy bears by adopting single serving sizes and limits on the total amount of THC in a package. For example, Alaska and Oregon have limits of 5 milligrams of THC per serving and 50 milligrams per package. Colorado and Washington allow twice as much per serving and package.

Industry advocates oppose any caps on THC. They state that consumers who want stronger products will turn to the black market to get them. Both sides agree that more research is needed.