cannabisnews.com: Study: Marijuana Potency Increases in 2007










  Study: Marijuana Potency Increases in 2007

Posted by CN Staff on June 12, 2008 at 05:52:18 PT
By Hope Yen, The Associated Press 
Source: Associated Press 

Washington, DC -- Marijuana potency increased last year to the highest level in more than 30 years, posing greater health risks to people who may view the drug as harmless, according to a report released Thursday by the White House.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since 1983, when it averaged just under 4 percent."Today's report makes it more important than ever that we get past outdated, anachronistic views of marijuana," said John Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.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.While the drug's potency may be rising, marijuana users generally adjust to the level of potency and smoke it accordingly, said Dr. Mitch Earleywine, who teaches psychology at the State University of New York in Albany and serves as an adviser for marijuana advocacy groups. "Stronger cannabis leads to less inhaled smoke," he said.The White House office attributed the increases in marijuana potency to sophisticated growing techniques that drug traffickers are using at sites in the United States and Canada.A report from the office last month found that a teenager who has been depressed in the past year was more than twice as likely to have used marijuana than teenagers who have not reported being depressed — 25 percent compared with 12 percent. The study said marijuana use increased the risk of developing mental disorders by 40 percent."The increases in marijuana potency are of concern since they increase the likelihood of acute toxicity, including mental impairment," said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which funded the University of Mississippi study."Particularly worrisome is the possibility that the more potent THC might be more effective at triggering the changes in the brain that can lead to addiction," Volkow said.But there's no data showing that a higher potency in marijuana leads to more addiction, Earleywine said, and marijuana's withdrawal symptoms are mild at best. "Mild irritability, craving for marijuana and decreased appetite — I mean those are laughable when you talk about withdrawal from a drug. Caffeine is worse."The project analyzed data on 62,797 cannabis samples, 1,302 hashish samples, and 468 hash oil samples obtained primarily from seizures by law enforcement agencies in 48 states since 1975.On the Net:White House Office of National Drug Control Policy: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.govAssociated Press writer Christine Simmons contributed to this report.Newshawk: The GCWSource: Associated Press (Wire)Author: Hope Yen, The Associated PressPublished: June 12, 2008Copyright: 2008 The Associated PressCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml

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Comment #40 posted by OverwhelmSam on June 13, 2008 at 04:35:31 PT
Drug War Establishment
And this 23% is likely working for or tied to the drug war:Law EnforcementDrug CounselorsPrison ComplexPharmaceutical IndustryThe usual suspects.
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Comment #39 posted by JohnO on June 12, 2008 at 22:58:17 PT:
The AOL poll on this news story indicates........
...That 66 percent of their responders say that Marijuana is not dangerous at all, 23 percent said it is dangerous and 11 percent was unsure either way. The second half showed that a solid 80 percent have smoked Marijuana at some time in their life, and only 20 percent had not. This shows me that the only ones left who aren't down with it are a minority who CAN be defeated with a solid push to the goal line. 
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Comment #38 posted by John Tyler on June 12, 2008 at 20:13:17 PT
another media campaign
I was just thinking it was about time for another prohibition publicity campaign to pop in the press again, and here it is. These campaigns run in cycles, recycling the same old lies. This time it is the increased potency scare angle again. Last time it was, it makes you crazy, or lazy, or stupid, or horney, or impotent, or pregnant, or infertile, or gives you bad breath. This will die down, and then in a couple of months some new prohibitionist propaganda theme will be trotted out. The same old stuff, planted stories and “junk” science run several times a year to waste our tax money. Some times they comes from England, sometimes from Australia, or New Zealand. The lies are the same though. It makes me sad to see our government do this kind of totally stupid stuff.   Off topic a little
The other night on PBS they had a show about Isaac Newton. He did all of this research in physics, math, alchemy, and religion. (to him, this as all one realm) Then they said that all of his study led him to the discovery that there is only one truth. Get into it, the unity of the one. It is as plain as day. Who among has not experienced this? Those that seek the one, shall find truth, and the truth will set your soul free. Off topic oil
I heard a commentator the other day say that Exxon Mobil oil drilling leases that they are just holding and not using. They are just not doing it to keep prices high. They don’t need protected places. Protected places are protected to keep they unspoiled. 
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Comment #37 posted by The GCW on June 12, 2008 at 18:35:00 PT
Wondering...
I was thinking cannabis with seeds is less and less available every year and when less cannabis with seeds, grown outdoors gets averaged in with more (sex starved) cannabis with out seeds the average THC levels may rise due to that simple fact alone.Is that what John Peeeeeeeeeee conveniently doesn't mention?
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Comment #36 posted by konagold on June 12, 2008 at 14:02:37 PT:
cannabis:debunking-the-white-houses-lies-about-pot
http://prompt.newsvine.com/_news/2008/06/12/1565640-cannabis-debunking-the-white-houses-lies-about-potency?frommsnbc
http://www.thereligionofjesuschurch.org
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 13:20:52 PT
OverwhelmSam
In herbal medicine they say less is more. Concentrated herbal medicines means less is needed to get better results. It's a win win situation all the way around.
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Comment #34 posted by OverwhelmSam on June 12, 2008 at 13:05:52 PT
Ya Know, C'mon, Nobody's Buying It.
This is a pretty tired argument that they are making about marijuana being stronger. In the first place, even people that don't smoke weed anymore know that stronger weed is better! Not worse. LOL Nobody is buying this stronger weed argument mainly because, the end result is the same. If you smoke too much weed, you'll get hungry and take a nap. Oh how awful a drug. LOL, No chicken little Walters, the only sky that is falling, is your ponzee marijuana prohibition scheme.
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Comment #33 posted by OverwhelmSam on June 12, 2008 at 12:56:22 PT
Woo Hoo!
One day it will be as strong as the hash. I can't wait!
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Comment #32 posted by cannabiscowboy on June 12, 2008 at 12:52:44 PT:
Marijuana Potency Increases in 2007
  The increase will be a benefit to patients who are not, or can not vaporize their clinical cannabis. Their intake of carcinogen layden smoke would be reduced in relation to the increase of THC, their medicinal active ingredient. It is a win-win situation for the patients health and wallet.
=ROBERT==
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 12:22:44 PT
BGreen
That's what we should do. My grandmother that lived with us lived until she was 90. My mom was 40 when she had me and my grandmother was about 40 when she had my mother so if she was alive she would be about 140! 
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Comment #30 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 12:17:23 PT
My dad just went through two major surgeries
He's only 70 and we almost lost him due to post-surgical complications with blood pressure and such. He's a tough son of a gun and pulled through like the fighter he is.We'll keep praying for Hope and her Grandmother.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 12:07:56 PT
 mykeyb420
That was very interesting.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 12:05:43 PT
BGreen
The man that is making hay out of our fields is turning it over now and probably will bale it later today. Letting our neighbor make hay out of our fields helps him and us. We don't have to mow it with high gas prices and his cows get quality hay for winter. I love the country.Hope's Grandmother's blood pressure dropped last night and her kidney's failed. She said they got that fixed but since she is over 90 years old that to me is critical. They put her back on oxygen Hope said. She'll let me know when she gets home how she is doing.
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Comment #27 posted by mykeyb420 on June 12, 2008 at 11:56:29 PT
Cheney was correct all along
This will blow your mind. Spread this around
Dick Cheney was right
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Comment #26 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 11:54:15 PT
Hope seems to have great genes
Her mother and her grandmother are still alive which is great. It also takes a great will to live to reach the ripe old age we would all like to reach. That spunk that got Granny to this point is going to help Granny just chalk this up as another thing she has experienced in her lifetime.Mrs. Green and I are both 45-years-old and none of our grandparents are still living.Doing great down here, FoM. I have to mow today before the rains come again. I always think of you and Stick when I'm trying to get one more mow out of my 24-year-old riding mower. It's just a pup compared to your tractor. LOLThe Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 11:26:18 PT
BGreen
I am impressed that Keith hasn't been censored. That's why MSNBC is growing. They tried to be both left and right but they are left all the way now.I'm doing fine and I hope you are too. I am concerned for Hope. Hope's Grandmother is really up in years and to have to withstand any kind of surgery is really tough.
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Comment #24 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 10:59:59 PT
I watch it, too
I sometimes watch all three broadcasts each day. LOLI guess I was praying so hard that SOMEBODY in the media would stand up for the truth that I like watching and hearing Keith's show over and over. I record many of his special commentaries for perpetuity (or until DVD's go the way of video tapes.)Hope you're having a good day, FoM. Everybody else, too.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #23 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 10:51:30 PT
re: post #20 - I vote BOTH
I've been one among many screaming at the top of my lungs about what that fool and fraud named George W. Bush was doing to this country.Well, I was right and everybody is paying the price for following this religious fanatic.Somehow there would be more comfort from being right if only the idiots who supported and still support this administration were paying the price for their stupidity.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 10:50:15 PT
BGreen
Thank you. I really like Keith. I very seldom miss his program. He is tough.
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Comment #21 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 10:41:20 PT
Tonight on Keith Olbermann
Keith Olbermann is doing a special commentary on the remark made by McCain yesterday that it's "not too important" when the troops come home from Iraq.I imagine there are a helluvalot of families, wives, husbands, children, parents and friends who DO think it's important when the troops come home.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #20 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 10:17:49 PT
Is George W. Bush a Fool or a Fraud?
I was watching the McCain TV ad playing locally and I remembered something Bush had said.I'm not the only one who thought this, as displayed in a blog on ABCnews.com.Aren't we all just prouderthancrap?The Reverend Bud GreenIsn't It Romantic?June 09, 2008 9:43 PMOne emailer notes an interesting contrast...The brouhaha from March when President Bush said to a videoconference of U.S. troops and civilian aid workers in Afghanistan, "I must say, I'm a little envious. If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed. It must be exciting for you ... in some ways romantic, in some ways, you know, confronting danger. You're really making history, and thanks."(See the CNN story about the controversy HERE.)And then there's the latest TV ad from Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., which you can watch HERE."Only a fool or a fraud talks tough or romantically about war," McCain says. "I hate war. And I know how terrible its costs are. I'm running for president to keep the country I love safe."- jpt
Is George W. Bush a Fool or a Fraud?
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Comment #19 posted by Sam Adams on June 12, 2008 at 10:11:50 PT
history
Museman thanks for the little history lesson. I've always heard that indoor growing and the 12/12 light cycle were invented in the Pacific Northwest, with the breeding of the Northern Lights strain ushering in the era of growing under fluorescent bulbs and later HID. That's one of the sad things about Prohibition - even with the war on cannabis, American breeders and growers pretty much led the world and gave us modern indoor cannabis. Most of the Dutch strains trace back to the northern west coast USA.Just another example of how social libertarianism is good for business. Now the best lights & equipment are mostly made in Canada and Holland, who are developing the horticultural expertise instead of us.I predict that as soon as prohibition ends the west coast will once again ascend to the position of leadership in breeding and growing. In fact it's already happening in California. 
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Comment #18 posted by potpal on June 12, 2008 at 09:37:28 PT
War on Drugs
Who said it...
In war, truth is the first casualty.Who can believe anything, not that there is anything here to believe, that comes out of the administration.Looking forward to Walters getting the boot in the next administration. I'm sure he'll find some nice cushy gig pushing drugs for some big pharm outfit...
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Comment #17 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 09:22:59 PT
What in the world does this mean?
Marijuana potency increased last year to the highest level in more than 30 years, posing greater health risks to people who may view the drug as harmless, according to a report released Thursday by the White House.Does it pose greater health risks ONLY to those who "may view the drug (sic) as harmless?"What about those of us who know there is no such thing as a purely harmless substance?Water is pretty damn harmless unless you drink too much of it or drown in it, thus posing greater health risks to people who may view the water as harmless.If I could have a dollar for every time the words "may" and "might" are used in one of these drug czar "press releases" in lieu of any scientific proof or facts, I'd have my own private island somewhere the heck away from the reign of these Bozo's.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 09:09:28 PT
OT: Maybe Some Here Would Like To Vote
Should oil companies be allowed to drill in protected wildlife areas to increase the oil supply?http://money.cnn.com/
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Comment #15 posted by BGreen on June 12, 2008 at 09:07:21 PT
Stronger cannabis leads to less inhaled smoke
Let's shout it from the rooftops!"Stronger cannabis leads to less inhaled smoke," said Dr. Mitch Earleywine."Stronger cannabis leads to less inhaled smoke," said Dr. Mitch Earleywine."Stronger cannabis leads to less inhaled smoke," said Dr. Mitch Earleywine."Stronger cannabis leads to less inhaled smoke," said Dr. Mitch Earleywine."Stronger cannabis leads to less inhaled smoke," said Dr. Mitch Earleywine."I agree with Dr. Mitch Earleywine," said The Reverend Bud Green.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 08:51:36 PT
mykeyb420 
What if there is an innocent person being held in Gitmo? 
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Comment #13 posted by mykeyb420 on June 12, 2008 at 08:28:00 PT
supreme court jesters
today ,,the supreme morons gave the prisoners at Gitmo who want to kill americans, more rights than an american citizen who wants to smoke weed.
 trully a dark day in Wash DC.
can they sink any lower???
supreme a$$%^$# 
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Comment #12 posted by Had Enough on June 12, 2008 at 08:23:31 PT
Two Words for Mr. Walters – Panama Red
“"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.”Panama Red
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Redand of course the tune…http://www.nrpsmusic.com/sound/NRPS_PanamaRed.mp3New Riders of the Purple Sage (NRPS) home page found here…http://www.nrpsmusic.com/
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 07:49:13 PT

Off Topic
I have the weirdest feeling after watching the young boys that were interviewed after the tornado hit the camp. It was almost like they are children being made into future soldiers and didn't show emotion. Maybe I am just too sensitive. Maybe they are in shock.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 07:43:28 PT

museman
They scare me. They have always scared me. I am hoping he picks a VP that is progressive. 
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Comment #9 posted by museman on June 12, 2008 at 07:22:40 PT

FoM
I'll admit to relief on that one as well.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 07:05:40 PT

Museman
My husband was trimming around the house during Clinton's concession speech and I yelled out the window at him and told him her speech was over. He said what did she say. I said she said she will never give up and I watched his face drop and I quickly said no no no I was only kidding she is out now and he smiled from ear to ear. 
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Comment #7 posted by museman on June 12, 2008 at 06:59:35 PT

FoM
I know!Sometimes I scare myself when I think of how many false starts and failed hopes have occupied our efforts over the years, and how I have placed hope in people and things that would only fall way short. It would be very easy to give in to the pessimism that a lifetime of experience has taught, and there are still moments where I sag under the weight, but knowing that the outcome is so linked to my/our conscious, willful choice sure makes that choice a whole lot easier. For me anyway.I am not creating any unfulfillable expectations, not attempting to define the outcome other than that it is going to be GOOD, and in some very important ways, FINAL.Seeing the dawn, and knowing that the powers that be can no more stop it than they can any other dawn (though they sure get an 'A' for effort) is an incredible empowerment.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 06:39:48 PT

Museman
I have the DVD of The Traveling Wilburys and love it. Sometimes I get so happy things are going to change I can barely contain myself!
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Comment #5 posted by museman on June 12, 2008 at 06:36:35 PT

FoM
Herbal medicine and healing. The root of 'modern medicine.'But of course the divorced-from-reality medical 'profession' has long since seperated from it's roots, and is no longer organic in any way. Its a plastic science, with petroleum-based 'roots' so false that the chances of greater illness in choosing their 'treatment' has escalated to high odds.Its like Monsanto patenting the right to grow food -by patenting their geneticly modified seeds. There's some evil spirit that wants us so disconnected from our true sources of power, consciousness, healing, and self-determination, that we simply fall down from abuse and ignorance.Well its all over but the final roll-call. The beast is but a shadow fading fast in the brilliance of the morning. It may take some time yet before all the world knows this, but regardless of the death-throws of the failing order, the fact is established.If they want to cover their eyes, ears, and mouth; "See no truth, Hear no truth, and Speak no truth." ultimately it is their own hole that they are digging.
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Comment #4 posted by museman on June 12, 2008 at 06:23:00 PT

Fom
Great song.Great band.It is definitely the end of the line for a whole lot of old-and-stinkin, dark-age mentality. The light of a new day has dawned, even if the blind guides refuse to open their eyes and see. Their refusal and denial serves us better than it serves them, because by the time they wake up and realize that they lost their war, we'll already be on our way to the next step in consciousness. When they look up they will see those they hate in a higher place then the ignorance and redundant denial could ever rise to, and there will "be much gnashing of teeth."
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 06:21:53 PT

museman
In herbal medicine they say less is more. That makes perfect sense to me. 
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Comment #2 posted by museman on June 12, 2008 at 06:16:42 PT

here we go again
See what money and power can do? Anything it wants to. Lie, steal, make war on innocence, create false history, false knowledge, and false authority.Out of all the "..samples seized by law enforcement agencies from 1975 through 2007" how can they realisticly use that incredibly small percentage of actual crop and availability in the US as an "average?"Even if their cross sampling was even close to accurate, their statistical analysis so biased and top heavy it falls down every time they try to stand it up. Potency is a GOOD thing. You smoke less, more satisfied, better delivery of the medicinal effect. (not to mention the other desired effects)In 1975, nobody even knew what 'buds' were yet. Most of us were enjoying the various flavors of Columbian Brown, Gold, and Black, with an occasional Thai Stick or rare Temple Hash. The mexican varieties (with names I can't spell) soon took the place of most of the better imports, and by the end of the 70's the over-all quality in general went way down hill. By then of course the WOD had driven us to grow ourselves, and of course the rise of homegrown. It took a few years to get the skills, but by the time Reagan started trading guns for cocaine, bud was preferred over the unknown quality of imports.And like any self-respecting aware person is going to trust anything coming out of governmental statistical analysis -particularly concerning the WOD? What have they gotten right? As far as truth goes the score is about 70% aware people, 0% prohibition, and 30% unsure.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 06:01:57 PT

Just Heard This Song on Morning Joe
I am so looking forward to a new progressive administration.Traveling Wilburys - End Of The Linehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewWyW6lT1HE
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