Sign up for the Slatest to receive the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice delivered directly to your inbox every day. For many, getting overly stoned can lead to a deeply uncomfortable experience. The pleasurable high can quickly shift to paranoia, leaving individuals grappling with unsettling thoughts and feelings of impending doom. This common scenario has become increasingly relevant as the popularity of recreational cannabis has soared with its legalization.
As cannabis use has become mainstream, discussions surrounding the risks of overconsumption and product potency have intensified. High-profile incidents, such as Maureen Dowd's infamous 2014 hotel room panic attack, have reignited concerns about the implications of consuming potent cannabis products. Recently, the New York Times criticized the cannabis industry for opposing legislative measures aimed at capping potency levels. Proposed bills across various states, including New York, Colorado (which specifically targets individuals under 25), and Florida, aim to limit THC flower potency between 0.3% and 15%. This is in stark contrast to commercially available cannabis, which typically contains over 20% THC.
However, the discussion around potency limits often overlooks the complexity of how cannabis potency functions. Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a physician and Harvard Medical School instructor, emphasizes that restricting THC percentages could inadvertently harm medical patients. For instance, if patients are forced to use lower potency products, they may consume more to achieve the desired effect, potentially causing further damage to their lungs. "When I was growing up, one of the arguments against cannabis was that it was so weak, you had to smoke so much, and it was bad for your lungs," Grinspoon noted. "Now it’s stronger, and the argument is it’s so dangerous because it’s so potent."
In addition to health concerns, Grinspoon points out the financial burden that weakened potency could place on medical patients, especially those on fixed incomes like veterans and seniors. Existing laws restricting cannabis potency fail to appreciate the nuanced nature of cannabis itself, according to Brien Hoffhine, director of cultivation at Loudbird Cannabis in Boulder, Colorado. He argues that the misunderstanding began with the 2018 Farm Bill, which defines cannabis potency solely by the percentage of delta-9 THC, the most recognized psychoactive component of the plant.
What lawmakers often overlook is the significance of THCA, which can convert to delta-9 THC when smoked, and the myriad other cannabinoids that contribute to the overall effects of cannabis. Hoffhine admits that consumer preference often leans towards high-THC products, influencing cultivation practices. However, the percentage of THC listed on product labels does not always reflect reality. Variability in lab testing results can lead to inflated potency claims, misleading consumers about the true strength of the product they are purchasing.
Masha Ty, a professional at ACS Laboratory in Florida, highlights the troubles faced by labs that refuse to inflate THC numbers to satisfy clients. “We don’t give them the high numbers that they want to see, so they leave,” she explained. Unlike alcohol, where potency is straightforward, cannabis potency is multifaceted, influenced by over 118 cannabinoids and their interactions. Furthermore, individual endocannabinoid systems affect how different people experience cannabis, making potency a highly personalized attribute.
The presence of terpenes, aromatic compounds found in all plants, also plays a crucial role in shaping the cannabis experience. Terpenes can enhance or modulate the effects of cannabinoids, steering the experience towards relaxation, focus, or euphoria. The emergence of highly concentrated THC distillates and concentrates, containing up to 95% THC, has introduced a one-dimensional experience for consumers, lacking the diverse effects produced by a full-spectrum product.
Grinspoon voices concern over the industry’s obsession with high THC levels, suggesting that a more balanced approach could yield better results. He advocates for greater awareness of the beneficial properties of cannabinoids like CBD, which can counteract some addictive qualities of cannabis. The consensus among experts like Grinspoon, Hoffhine, and Ty is clear: imposing potency limits is not the solution. Instead, they stress the need for improved research and education about the diverse components of cannabis and how they uniquely affect individuals.
Understanding the science behind cannabis, particularly the effects of edibles, could greatly benefit consumers. For instance, some individuals may find that they do not process edibles effectively, regardless of the potency. This highlights the intricate nature of cannabis potency and the necessity for lawmakers to grasp these complexities to regulate the industry effectively.
