An important study just released indicates that marijuana potency has doubled since 1983. My concern is that some parents who experimented with marijuana (or used it regularly) in their adolescence may not have adequate concern for their own kids' experimentation. At HomeWord, we've warned for years that marijuana potency has increased since the 1970s. Knowing that potency levels have doubled since the 80s raises our concern to a new level and hope that the same concern will be shared by parents.
The latest analysis from the University of Mississippi's Potency Monitoring Project tracked the average amount of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, in samples seized by law enforcement agencies from 1975 through 2007. It found that the average amount of THC reached 9.6 percent in 2007, compared with 8.75 percent the previous year.
The 9.6 percent level represents more than a doubling of marijuana potency since 1983, when it averaged just under 4 percent.
"Today's report makes it more important than ever that we get past outdated, anachronistic views of marijuana," said John Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. He cited baby boomer parents who might have misguided notions that the drug contains the weaker potency levels of the 1970s.
"Marijuana potency has grown steeply over the past decade, with serious implications in particular for young people," Walters said. He cited the risk of psychological, cognitive and respiratory problems, and the potential for users to become dependent on drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
Source: Fox News
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,365802,00.html
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