University of Mississippi researchers have found that tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the active chemical in marijuana, has reached record levels in the United States.
The University's Potency Monitoring Project compared current marijuana samples to some seized since 1975 from 48 states. The highest level of concentration in a single sample of the chemical during the project was 37.2 percent. The average amount currently in a single sample is 9.6 percent, a 4 percent increase since 1983, according to the report.
"[Research data] indicates that [marijuana] is a more potent drug and that it's certainly not the drug from years ago," said Jane Maxwell, a research scientist in the School of Social Work.
Because of high THC levels achieved through selective breeding of the marijuana plant, individuals are more moody, show depression when marijuana use is restricted and develop an addiction to THC, said Austin Police Department Sgt. Richard Burns.
Individuals who smoke daily and inhale a greater amount of THC in one sitting are at risk of health hazards that include respiratory and mental defects, Maxwell said.
"I think it is a drug that has changed its composition, and I think smoking a blunt compared to a joint is another factor," Maxwell said. "People are smoking a lot more in a cigar than in a joint."
Trends in Austin have suggested that the increased levels of THC adversely affect younger individuals, developing adolescents and pregnant women, Burns said.
"What is important is that the literature is beginning to document people who are experiencing cognitive problems with cannabis use," Maxwell said. "And studies are showing that more and more potent cannabis is becoming available."
With the increased potency of marijuana, the public needs to change its outlook on the use of marijuana and view it as they would traditionally harder drugs, Maxwell said.
"I think people need to be aware that with the increased potency, you could become a misuser," she said.
