Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
States are moving past debates on whether to legalize cannabis and are now focusing on how intoxicating legal products should be (Source: High-potency cannabis fuels state debates over psychosis and addiction risks, Ohio Capital Journal, June 9).
A growing body of research (see here, here and here for examples) suggests that frequent use of high-THC cannabis increases the risk of cannabis use disorder, psychosis, and other mental health problems for users, particularly adolescents and young adults. In response, lawmakers in some states this year have moved to impose stricter potency caps, while others have scaled back or rejected such measures amid industry opposition and uncertainty over research findings.
While cannabis flowers once commonly contained THC levels in the single digits, many products sold legally today contain 15% to 20% THC or more. Concentrates, such as waxes, oils, and shatter, can exceed 80%.
Some public health researchers and addiction specialists argue that public perceptions of marijuana have not kept pace with the growing availability of high-potency products. They say broader legalization efforts, including the federal government’s recent move to reclassify medical marijuana as a less restrictive drug under the Controlled Substances Act, may reinforce the belief that cannabis is harmless.