Legal states are rushing to investigate the mental health risks of high-potency cannabis

Marijuana legalization has accelerated in recent years. The issue has become one of those improbable things that people of different political parties agree on, a substance that is now accepted, if not embraced, by most. Yet public opinion differs from politics, a problem made strikingly clear by the lack of research on the drug.

States that have enabled marijuana programs are now rushing to investigate the drug and its possible side effects. While marijuana has been linked to few serious medical conditions, its long-term impact is unknown, particularly when it comes to potent versions of THC and the effects it can have on the brain.

The potency of marijuana has increased over the years, particularly in concentrate products like wax and shatter, which can contain up to 85% THC. For reference, a high potency joint can contain up to 20% THC.

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Several studies have found links between THC and mental illness, including psychosis. While the link between THC and psychosis is not yet fully understood, it is still worrying as one study suggests that people who use cannabis on a daily basis are five times more likely to experience a psychotic episode.

Products with very high levels of THC are sold legally in pharmacies, with many users not fully understanding its effects. This is of particular concern when it comes to teenagers, their developing brains, and their increasing drug use. “We’re seeing a very significant increase in psychosis associated with marijuana use,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “And the higher the THC level, the higher the likelihood of a psychotic episode.” She claims more research is needed to know whether or not THC can cause schizophrenia.

Experts and those responsible have mixed feelings about these findings. Cannabis advocates believe the best way to address these concerns is to create a better legal marijuana system.

dr Nora Volkow, photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

“The best way to address these concerns is through proper testing and labeling, and ensuring cannabis products are only sold to fully informed adults through licensed entities that are legally required to verify the legal age to purchase,” said Bethany Moore , spokeswoman for the National Cannabis Industry Association. Legal cannabis can facilitate research while restricting black market cannabis, which is subject to less testing.

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Some non-industry health professionals believe that cannabis legalization has focused solely on the plant, neglecting these risks. The researcher dr. Beatriz Carlini said people think cannabis is harmless and “not that scary and it has some benefits, but this [concentrated] Product is just a whole different animal.”

Several studies on cannabis concentrates and psychosis are expected this year, including a comprehensive review of the physical and mental effects of THC in over 800 patients in the state of Colorado.