US cannabis has significantly increased its THC levels over the past few decades, posing a risk to new or returning users. In the 1990s, 5% THC was considered strong, but today it’s rare to find products with less than 20% THC in LA dispensaries. Experts warn that high-potency products have been used to create “superficially potent” products like prerolls and dabs.
A study found a 1,808% increase in cannabis-related ER visits among adults 65+ from 2005 to 2019, with another Canadian study showing increased ER rates after cannabis flower was legalized in 2018.
Cannabis potency is not just limited to the plant itself, but also includes THC extracts. Experts argue that high-potency products haven’t been tested for safety and raise concerns among researchers.
“I’m very concerned,” says UCLA’s Ziva Cooper, who co-authored a research paper on the issue.
Source: https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/18/cannabis-thc-high-levels-potency-chart