We've all heard the phrase "it's just weed" used in instances meant to downplay or dismiss the use of marijuana, but what you need to know is that today's cannabis is up to 4 times as potent now as it was just 3 decades ago. In fact, the amount of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana seized by the DEA has spiked from 3.4% in 1993 to 15.34% in 2021.
Truth is - marijuana is a mind-altering drug made of dry, shredded, green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves from the cannabis sativa plant. THC is the main ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect that can be highly addictive.
High THC levels in marijuana are linked to increased problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, and loss of coordination. A higher percentage of THC also intensifies the effects associated with regular use of cannabis, including physical dependence and withdrawal following discontinuation, as well as the psychological addiction or dependence.
Even more disturbing is that often people may be unaware that marijuana, especially when it contains increased THC, is a risk factor for psychosis and schizophrenia, as well as the fact that it stunts brain growth.
Resources for parents, teens, and educators can be found on the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/risk-factors/cannabis-and-teens.html
and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana websites.
Come back to the IAA Blog tomorrow to learn more truths about Today's Marijuana.
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