Cannabis getting stronger? Here are some facts:
Updated: Jan 26, 2022
The studies have been completed and the references checked. Today's weed is more than double the potency than it was 10 to 15 years ago. But how does weed even get stronger? Is this something users should be worried about? And what are the long term effects?
Cannabis becomes more potent through a process called seed breeding. Seed breeders have been creating hybrid strains for years. The process includes sexing the plants male or female, then mating the plants with one another. A new seed is created, however creating a stable strain that produces the same child seed over and over can take years to develop. Under certain indoor conditions breeders have been able to breed more potent (hybrid) strains. The first reliable study of THC potency comes from the mid 90s. At that time THC amounts topped at about 10 percent. Today's strongest strains boast 25 to 30 percent. We can only assume that scientist and growers will attempt to raise these numbers in coming years as the market expands. Don't forget some extracts and concentrates can be 80 to 90 percent THC, that is really strong stuff. The question is, what does this all mean for the average user?
The great thing about legalization is standardization. Informed decisions are very important. No matter how high the potency, being educated about the possible reactions can help buyers identify the correct products to purchase. There are other aspects of the cannabis that adds to the overall profile of the plant, for instances terpenes and flavonoids. With the requirement in place to identify all key compounds, their potential benefits, side effects, and potency all users can have a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Unfortunately there just isn't enough information known about the long term effects of stronger potency. Too strong of a dose can cause temporary confusion or even an episode of psychoses. So what do we suggest? Always start small, ask for more information at your local dispensary (budtenders want to help), and
don't take any THC products if you do not know the potency.
-ajacks
Learn how to properly dose when infusing cannabis at home by taking a class with SkHigh