Marijuana More Potent than Ever
Over the years, the potency levels in social marijuana drug use have been on a significant rise. Its psychoactive component, tetrahydracannabinol, otherwise known as THC has climbed.
The escalated THC percentages have health care professionals concerned regarding the mental health effects of marijuana in both teens and adults.
According to Rafael Lemaitre, a spokesperson for the Office of National Drug Control Policy, he clearly stated in a previous interview, "The potency of marijuana in the United States has doubled since the mid-1980s."
Lemaitre highlighted comparisons between 1983 to today. Back in the 1980s, he said, THC levels were less than four percent. Today, these THC levels are ranging much higher and more erratically from 9 percent to 37 percent.
Lemaitre went on to say that the reason for this peak is because of the more “sophisticated growing techniques.”
Those concerned about the higher THC levels are troubled that people may be more prone to addiction. And illegal marijuana sellers are turning over huge profits margins, keeping them on a pathway of high and potent THC numbers for returning customers.
Those in the drug and alcohol treatment fields are calling the THC potency numbers worrisome.
And this is especially true for teenagers. It appears that an increasing amount of teens being seen for addiction are higher than teen alcohol abusers.
Some health care professionals point out that the younger a person is who begins using marijuana, the more they are at risk for depression and other types of mental psychosis.
In a matter of minutes following someone smoking marijuana, the THC kicks in. The most common drug side-effects are:
- Rise in heart rate
- Decrease in coordination
- Unstable balance
- Dreamy state of mind
The rise in TCH levels make the above side-effects even more pronounced. Although the effects generally wear off in a few hours, if someone has inhaled too much marijuana, their thinking process can be extremely altered which can produce marked paranoia and anxiety.
Driving under this influence can also cause an extreme dangerous impairment.
According to health care professionals, the long term side-effects may impact the lungs. Smoking one joint is often compared to smoking several traditional tobacco cigarettes and can cause throat and lung irritation.
A concern regarding marijuana use also leans in the direction of lessened memory and compromised cognitive abilities.
As mentioned earlier, the rise in THC levels is showing addiction concerns. Just like any other drug addiction, marijuana can be abused when a user is controlled by the substance and they lose interest in the activities and desires they once had.
Like other drug addictions, it has the potential to negatively affect the user, their family and friends, and co-workers.
Medical professionals often cite that marijuana abuse may also be coupled with other drugs, including alcohol. Either way, it is an addiction which can be treated.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treatment of marijuana abuse is performed first by determining any underlying mental health disorders. From there, proper medications and therapies such as cognitive-behavioral and motivational therapy will follow.
A therapy model of treatment offers good success rates towards healing and recovery.