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Weed Potency Hits 30-Year High

Study finds THC levels have doubled since 1983, raising mental health worries

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 12, 2008 8:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – Today's marijuana is the strongest crop since the heyday of Cheech and Chong, a new study finds. University researchers who analyzed seized samples dating back to the '70s found the level of active ingredient THC hit an average of 9.6% last year, up almost 1% from the year before and more than double the 4% recorded for 1983, the AP reports.

The rise in potency, attributed to new growing techniques, has health officials worried. The director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which funded the study, warned that the stronger weed could trigger changes in the brain leading to addiction and mental illness. A professor who serves as an adviser to a pro-marijuana group said that the danger was overstated, as users tend to adjust to stronger marijuana by smoking less of it.

Health officials worry that the increase in marijuana's potency could lead to more addiction and mental disorders. ((c) Meepocity)

Researchers analyzed samples of marijuana seized by law enforcement dating back as far as 1975. ((c) r0bz)

A report released by the White House has found that the level of active ingredient THC in marijuana is at its highest in over 30 years. ((c) statuesque)

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Weed Potency Hits 30-Year High

Study finds THC levels have doubled since 1983, raising mental health worries

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West Coast Breeds Weed Snobs, Too

Cannibus connoisseurs take their place next to finicky wine lovers

Pot Smoking Doubles Risk of Car Accident

Study is first to probe link between marijuana and collisions: researchers

Dude! Harsh! Weed Shrinks Your Brain

Long-term smokers show abnormalities, damage to emotions

Smoking Pot Rots Your Teeth

On the plus side, you'll feel pretty mellow about it

TSA Agent Lets Rapper Keep Weed, Leaves Note

"C'Mon Son," chides baggage screener

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Weed Potency Hits 30-Year High

Study finds THC levels have doubled since 1983, raising mental health worries

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

drugs • smoking • drug use • marijuana • cannabis • weed

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

West Coast Breeds Weed Snobs, Too

Cannibus connoisseurs take their place next to finicky wine lovers

Pot Smoking Doubles Risk of Car Accident

Study is first to probe link between marijuana and collisions: researchers

Dude! Harsh! Weed Shrinks Your Brain

Long-term smokers show abnormalities, damage to emotions

Smoking Pot Rots Your Teeth

On the plus side, you'll feel pretty mellow about it

TSA Agent Lets Rapper Keep Weed, Leaves Note

"C'Mon Son," chides baggage screener

About Us

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Newser By Users

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