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This Ain't Your Dad's Weed: Pot Potency Jumps

THC concentration has been climbing for decades

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2009 11:20 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Marijuana’s average potency, as measured by the concentration of psychoactive component THC, has broken 10% for the first time after decades of steady increase, a government report says—and is expected to keep increasing, CNN notes. Potency will likely plateau at some 15% in the next 5-10 years, though some pot already has potency above 30%, scientists found.

High concentrations of THC have the opposite effect of low, and new users may not be careful about how much they take, potentially leading to dysphoria, paranoia, and irritability. Officials are particularly concerned about high-potency marijuana’s effect on adolescent brains. But warnings may have little effect on youths, said a psychiatrist: “I don’t think they reflect on what it might have been like 30 years ago.”

In 1983, marijuana's potency was said to be under 4%, CNN reports.
In 1983, marijuana's potency was said to be under 4%, CNN reports.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Mad
May 15, 2009 12:42 PM CDT
I'm an old hippie. I smoked my last joint after dinner. Just wanted to add, there is no strain of cannabis that has 30% THC... The highest I've heard in a variation of White Widow that has 22-24%. We'll see. The worse thing about smoking weed is the unfiltered tar one consumes. With higher (snort) potency weed, one smokes less to get the same high. Ergo (I only say 'ergo' while stoned) smoking higher potency weed is healthier than smoking ditch weed - weed that makes better rope, than smoke. I rest my case!
GreekChorus
May 15, 2009 3:41 AM CDT
Funny how these government reports are never published in peer-reviewed journals where the evidence and methodology can be verified and critiqued, isn't it? Instead we get shadowy reports from those who have a deep vested interest in maintaining cannibis' prohibited.
drlarrymitchell
May 14, 2009 10:51 AM CDT
Thank weed for god.

 
drugs • marijuana • weed • potency • THC

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