There is no denying that marijuana is much more acceptable today than it was a few short decades ago. But it is important to note that the drug itself has evolved and new strains have emerged with a much stronger potency than years before. In fact, some of the higher level tetrahydracannabinol (or THC) compounds can reportedly lead to severe anxiety issues and addiction; particularly during this stressful time of quarantines.
CNN recently covered this topic in a piece written by their medical expert Sandee LaMotte. In it, she describes just how potent certain weed strains have become. 20 years ago, for example, typical marijuana THC counts were around 2 to 4 percent. Now at local dispensaries, you’ll find compounds testing as high as 37 percent.
LaMotte went on to reference a newly published study from the JAMA Psychiatry Journal, which surveyed more than 1,000 marijuana users over the past year. Participants who used high potency weed had a significantly higher likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder, the research showed.
Addictions were addressed as well, with high potency smokers showing a stronger propensity to use weed more than once a week. They were also twice as likely to have abused illicit substances over the past year.
The JAMA authors were quoted in the CNN article, offering a stern warning to those who consume high potency marijuana.
