High-potency cannabis has become a growing concern in recent years, as products with THC concentrations approaching 100% are becoming widely available. These modern cannabis products, such as vape pens, shatter, and dabs, are significantly more potent than traditional forms of the plant from decades past. Though often marketed as safe or medicinal, the evidence increasingly highlights severe health consequences for frequent users, particularly young people.

A New Threat to Physical Health

One of the most alarming conditions linked to these products is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This little-known illness leads to extreme abdominal pain, incessant vomiting, dehydration, and, in some cases, fatal complications. Families, such as the Danielsons, who tragically lost their son Brandon to CHS, have seen first-hand the devastating impact of these products. Misdiagnosis is common, as the symptoms closely mimic other disorders like cyclical vomiting syndrome.

As noted by Dr Andrew Monte, an associate professor of emergency medicine, “Patients that consume high content THC chronically came to the emergency department with a syndrome where they couldn’t stop vomiting and with intense abdominal pain. It’s a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome”. This highlights the severe physical toll of high-potency cannabis. (NPR)

Mental Health at Risk

Scientific research has continually shown that high-potency cannabis use does not only affect physical health but also poses significant mental health risks. Studies show a strong connection between frequent use of high-THC products and the development of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. These risks are especially pronounced for young users whose brains have not yet fully matured. Even individuals without any genetic predisposition to mental health disorders are at increased risk when exposed to the powerful effects of these substances.

As Dr Staci Gruber, director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) programme, explains, “The negative effects of cannabis have primarily been isolated and localised to THC. So it stands to reason that higher levels of THC may in fact confer a greater risk for negative outcome”. This underscores the growing evidence linking high-THC cannabis to psychosis and other mental health challenges. (NPR)

The Danish study linking cannabis use disorder (CUD) with schizophrenia illustrates that up to 20% of cases in young men may be preventable if cannabis use was limited. Research also shows that those who experience cannabis-induced psychosis often go on to develop schizophrenia within a few years. High-potency cannabis, once considered a harmless substance, is playing a worrying role in the rise of severe mental health conditions globally.

The Cannabis of Today vs. Yesterday

The cannabis consumed today is far removed from the low-THC plant of the 1990s, which had an average potency of just 4%. Modern cannabis products can exceed 70% potency, with some concentrates nearing 99%. This dramatic increase has changed the drug’s effects, making it far more likely to induce severe side effects and dependency.

Figures from Washington state show that cannabis-related emergency room visits have surged, particularly among young people. A study examining over 100,000 hospital visits in the US revealed an 80% increase in cannabis-related issues in just five years, and cannabis now accounts for the majority of adolescent substance-related emergencies. Disturbingly, cannabis has surpassed alcohol as the daily drug of choice in some populations, further compounding the strain on individuals and health services alike.

Warnings Ignored by the Industry

Despite mounting evidence and repeated warnings from researchers and health professionals, the cannabis industry has resisted efforts to implement stricter regulations. Arguments from industry lobbyists focus on the economic benefits of legal cannabis and public misconceptions around its safety. Meanwhile, public health campaigns and potential safety measures, such as imposing THC caps or placing stricter labelling requirements on high-potency products, have been consistently delayed or watered down.

The result is an unregulated market where young people are particularly vulnerable. Products such as high-THC vape pens appeal to younger users, putting them at greater risk of conditions like psychosis, CHS, and CUD. Alarmingly, studies show that one-quarter of users hospitalised for cannabis-induced psychosis go on to develop schizophrenia within three years.

Why Education and Prevention are Crucial

Preventing the potential harms of high-potency cannabis starts with education. Public awareness campaigns must focus on dispelling myths around cannabis’s safety and highlighting the risks of today’s high-THC products. With evidence mounting around the dangers of frequent cannabis use, particularly among young people, it is more important than ever to empower individuals to make informed decisions.

Families and communities also play a critical role. Open conversations about cannabis use and its consequences can prevent tragedy and help those struggling with dependency or mental health issues. Recognising cannabis as a drug with significant risks to both mental and physical wellbeing is essential for protecting lives.

While some view cannabis as a harmless or recreational substance, the evolving research challenges this perception. The impacts of high-potency cannabis demand urgent attention and stronger regulations to curb preventable harm.

Source: KUOW

---