Marijuana Potency Exceeds 10 Percent-Per U.S. Government

Marijuana Potency Exceeds 10 Percent-Per U.S. Government who state that the average potency of marijuana, which has risen steadily for three decades, has exceeded 10 percent for the first time.

Scientists working for the U.S. Government predict that potency, as measured by the drug’s concentration of the psychoactive ingredient THC, will continue to rise.

At the University of Mississippi’s Potency Monitoring Project, where thousands of samples of seized marijuana are tested every year, project director Mahmoud El-Sohly said some samples have THC levels exceeding 30 percent.

(pic) Mahmoud El-Sohly says marijuana’s potency will continue to rise before tailing off in the next five years.

I want to know where you can sign up for this testing. I would like to be part of this earth breaking project. I do think that someone who has the ability to judge the difference from 1970′s marijuana, should be part of this program. I therefore, volunteer…for scientific purposes, of course.

Average THC concentrations will continue to climb before leveling off at 15 percent or 16 percent in five to 10 years, El-Sohly predicted.

The stronger marijuana is of particular concern because high concentrations of THC have the opposite effect of low concentrations, officials say.

Well, that last statement really cracked me up. I do wish I had a good buzz going when I had read it…I probably would have spit all over my key board and screen laughing…  Does it take a rocket scientist to figure that one out?

In addition, while experienced marijuana users may limit their intake of potent marijuana, young and inexperienced users may not moderate their intake and possibly suffer from dysphoria, paranoia, irritability and other negative effects.

Well how about the munchies and uncontrolled laughter and creative thought…where does that come in?

Potent marijuana also poses significant risk to the developing adolescent brain, said Edward Jurith, acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Shouldn’t that read the underdeveloped adolescent brain?

What about alcohol…what does that do to the developing adolescent brain?

Increasing potency is leading to higher admissions to emergency rooms and drug treatment programs, officials say.

The average THC for tested marijuana during 2008 was 10.1 percent, according to the government, compared to 1983 when it was reportedly under 4 percent.

Marijuana Potency Exceeds 10 Percent-Per U.S. Government and even drugs seized at the United States’ southwest border are showing increasing potency, the Office of National Drug Control Policy says. The median potency increased from 4.8 percent in 2003 to 7.3 percent in 2007.

Marijuana from Mexico and other southern sources traditionally had lower THC content then other sources.

Must be the sun…from the ozone layer being burned off, due to gasoline powered powered cars and pollution.

“The children I’m most worried about are children who are heavy users … people who use it on a daily basis,” said Dr. Lawrence Brain, a child psychiatrist in Maryland.

Lloyd D. Johnston, a University of Michigan professor who has spent 35 years studying youth drug use, stated that “youth marijuana use has fluctuated dramatically over that period.”

“One of the driving forces of that … is the degree to which young people think that marijuana is dangerous,” he continued. “Perceived risk has usually been a leading indicator of changes.”

News about potency is not likely to change adolescents’ behavior, Brain stated.

“I’m not advocating the use of marijuana at all,” he said. “But in some ways, it is out there. Telling them it’s 10 percent, three times more potent than what their parents smoked, is not an argument they are likely to buy into or to even utilize in any constructive sort of way.

“I think they do what they do today. I don’t think they consider or reflect on what it might have been like 30 years ago.”

Marijuana Potency Exceeds 10 Percent-Per U.S. Government, so stay off drugs adolescents. For the full story, go to CNN News.