The Impacts and Policy Implications of High-THC Cannabis Products — A Discussion

by Public Health Education Liaison Mary Segawa

On September 16, the University of Washington Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute (UW ADAI) hosted a day-long symposium focused on the short and long-term risks of high-THC products, including conversations about policy-focused solutions and ways to increase awareness about the risks associated with use. The symposium included presentations from a range of international, national, and regional speakers as wells as policymakers.

Several speakers shared research that illustrated the relationship between high-THC products, frequency of use, and associated adverse events. These included addiction risk and the increased risk for psychotic disorders. Nearly 10 million Americans have a psychotic disorder. Psychotic disorders are very debilitating, burdensome to patients and their families and result in huge economic costs.

The concern in this area is especially acute for youth and young adults since 70 percent of those with a psychotic disorder experience their first episode of psychosis before age 25. Studies have shown that daily high concentration cannabis use increases risk of development of psychosis by 5 times.

Policy options presented that are intended to decrease the negative impacts of high-THC products included an increased focus on and funding of education efforts, specific warning labels on these products, a ban on high-THC products, capping THC levels, and taxing high concentration products at a higher rate, like alcohol is taxed. The potential impact, feasibility, and concerns related to the various options were discussed.

If you want to learn more about the research in this area and listen to these discussions, the recording of the symposium and slides for each session can be found on the UW ADAI website.