The Many Risks of Cannabis and High-Dose THC

(Psychology Today) The word “cannabis” refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains about 540 chemical substances. “Marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the plant containing substantial amounts of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the intoxicating substance primarily responsible for affecting a person’s mental state. More than 100 other cannabinoid substances have been identified, but the key cannabinoids are THC and cannabidiol, or CBD.

The FDA has not approved the cannabis plant for any medical use. However, the FDA has approved several drugs containing individual cannabinoids. For example, Epidiolex, containing a purified form of CBD derived from cannabis, is approved for treating seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two rare, severe forms of epilepsy. Cannabis products have diversified significantly, especially with the legalization and commercialization of cannabis in many areas.

Modern cannabis products contain higher concentrations of THC compared to traditional flowers (bud). Marijuana tested at Woodstock in 1969 was usually Cannabis sativa at 1% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Today's cannabis flower typically contains >15% THC. Concentrates are highly potent extracts of cannabis that can exceed 90% THC levels. For example, wax is a concentrate, a soft, waxy substance extracted from cannabis with a THC concentration >60%. Shatter is a glass-like, brittle concentrate that shatters when broken and can have a THC concentration of 90%. THC Diamonds, Dabs, Moon Rocks, Crumble, Live Resin, and Rosin are ultrahigh THC preparations. Edibles like gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages typically are 5–10 mg, but 100 mg per package are sold too. Vapes (Cartridges) for vaporizing cannabis oil have a THC concentration of 50-95%. Lastly, THC Isolate is a pure THC crystal or powder devoid of other cannabinoids and terpenes, which can have a THC Concentration of 99%+. Tinctures taken orally or sublingually are 10–50 mg THC per ml, while infused beverages are 5–20 mg per serving.

More THC, More Often = More Risks

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