The Risks of Rising THC Concentrations in Cannabis
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and become more commercialized, concerns are rising about the potential health risks associated with its increasing potency. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been found to have a significant impact on brain development and function, particularly in young people.
The case of Johnny Stack, who died in 2019 at the age of 24, highlights the devastating consequences of cannabis use. Johnny began using cannabis at the age of 14 and soon became addicted, experiencing episodes of paranoia, anxiety, and psychosis. His mother, Laura, struggled to find help for her son, who eventually took his own life.
Researchers at Yale University are sounding the alarm about the growing risks of cannabis use, particularly among young people. “The marijuana and cannabis products that your grandparents may have used are very different from what’s out there now,” says Deepak Cyril D’Souza, a professor of psychiatry at Yale. “The THC content has increased significantly over the years, and we need to understand the implications of this on human health.”
Studies have shown that cannabis use can lead to changes in brain structure, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with decision-making and executive function. Heavy and early use of cannabis has also been linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Furthermore, cannabis use has been linked to cardiovascular problems, including an increased risk of heart attacks. In his lab, D’Souza has seen that cannabis impacts physio-cardiovascular function and usually leads to increased heart rate in healthy individuals.
The commercialization of cannabis has also raised concerns about the targeting of young people with attractive packaging and flavors. “The idea is that if you have a young customer, you have a lifelong customer,” says D’Souza. “The tobacco industry did the same thing, and it took decades for people to recognize the true harmfulness of tobacco.”
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, it is essential that researchers and policymakers prioritize the production of high-quality evidence on the potential health risks and benefits of cannabis use. “We need to understand the implications of this on human health, and we need to do it now,” says D’Souza. “Is it going to take us another 50 years to recognize the consequences, as it took us with tobacco?”
