A growing body of research links frequent use of high-potency cannabis to increased risk of cannabis use disorder, psychosis, and other mental health problems—particularly among adolescents and young adults—prompting lawmakers in several states to debate whether to impose potency limits on legally sold products. While cannabis flower once commonly contained THC levels in the single digits, many products sold legally today contain 15% to 20% THC or more, and concentrates such as waxes, oils, and shatter can exceed 80%.
About 15% of Americans ages 12 and older reported using marijuana in the past month in 2024, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. About 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that adolescents who use cannabis, including higher-potency products, had a significantly increased risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders, along with higher risks of depression and anxiety—following about 463,000 adolescents in Northern California ages 13 to 17 into early adulthood.
In response to health concerns, lawmakers in some states have moved toward potency restrictions. In Connecticut, lawmakers this year reinstated a 35% THC cap on flower just weeks after voting to eliminate it, citing bipartisan concern about “the potential public health effects of increasingly potent marijuana products.” Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp signed a law in May that removes the state’s previous 5% THC potency cap starting July 1. However, only eight states—Connecticut, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont—have potency caps on some products including flower. The cannabis industry has vigorously opposed restrictions, arguing that existing regulations already protect consumers and that limiting high-THC products would drive consumers to illicit markets. Washington state doesn’t impose THC caps on flower or concentrates, and since 2020, Democratic Representative Lauren Davis has introduced at least five bills to cap potency or impose safeguards—all thwarted by industry opposition.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://kiowacountypress.net/content/high-potency-cannabis-fuels-state-debates-over-psychosis-and-addiction-risks