172. Marijuana: Increased Potency, High Addiction Rates, and Serious Health Problems.

​​Written by Clinical Herbalist Donna Troy Cleary, March 26, 2026

Over the past decades, marijuana has undergone significant changes, primarily in its THC potency, leading to concerning health considerations. The dramatic increase in the concentration of THC is associated with a range of health issues, including a higher risk of addiction and serious mental health disorders.

Rising THC Levels

In the 1960s to 1980s Marijuana had a THC content of less than 2%. Between 1995 and 2014, the average THC content rose to about 12%, a 212% increase. Currently, THC levels in flower range between 22% and 28% - a 1300% increase, and THC products like oil, shatter, dab, and edibles have concentrations as high as 95%. ​

This increase in potency has consequences both physically and psychologically.

1. Addiction: ​

Higher THC potency has increased the likelihood of developing Cannabis Use Disorder — Addiction. Studies have consistently shown an increased risk of addiction among those using high-potency products compared to low-potency cannabis, with some reports indicating a nearly sevenfold increase in risk.

2. Psychosis and Schizophrenia

There is a higher incidence of psychosis in daily users of high-potency cannabis, regardless of genetic predisposition, compared to those who never used cannabis or used lower-potency types. ​High-potency cannabis, specifically those with THC levels above 15%, can triple the risk of psychosis, and daily use further increases this risk fivefold. Daily consumers of high-THC cannabis are also more prone to schizophrenia and early-onset psychosis. ​​A Finnish study revealed that nearly 50% of individuals with cannabis-induced psychosis were later diagnosed with schizophrenia. 

3. Lowered Dopamine - our motivation, reward-seeking, and learning hormone.

Long-term or chronic use of high-potency cannabis is associated with a blunting of the dopamine system. It can lower dopamine levels over time. This blunted dopamine response is linked to reduced motivation and is associated with depression and anxiety. ​Developmental exposure to THC, whether in utero or during adolescence, can also disrupt the normal development of the dopamine system, leading to aberrant behaviors, a blunted dopamine response later in life, and a negative impact on cognition and IQ.​

4. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is characterized by recurring episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that affect long-term, frequent cannabis users. ​While cannabinoids are often used for their antiemetic properties, high-potency marijuana presents a paradoxical effect leading to emesis. ​This syndrome is frequently associated with compulsive hot bathing or showering, which individuals find can alleviate symptoms. ​

Legalization, Social Equity, and Corporate Control

​The legalization of marijuana in many states was partly intended to address the injustices of past drug laws, particularly their disproportionate impact on communities of color. ​These programs often include preferential licensing, financial assistance, criminal record expungement, and operational support to help individuals from impacted communities enter the legal cannabis industry. ​However, the implementation of legalization has seen major problems:

• Financial Barriers: ​High licensing fees, insurance costs, business taxes, and legal expenses create major entry barriers for minority individuals, despite equity programs designed to ease access. ​The cost of obtaining a license can be substantial, making it difficult for individuals without significant capital to participate. ​For example, in Virginia, incumbent pharmaceutical processors would need to pay a $10 million fee to enter the adult-use market.

  
  

• The funding doesn't cover all startup costs, leaving entrepreneurs struggling to launch and sustain their businesses. ​Billions generated by the industry have not trickled down to these programs.

• Exploitation of Licensing: ​Some individuals have exploited social equity programs by using minority applicants as "fronts" for businesses owned by white individuals or larger corporations, thus gaining preferential treatment without genuinely empowering those intended to benefit.

  
  

• Bureaucratic Delays and Inconsistent Regulations: ​Inconsistent regulations and bureaucratic hurdles, including lawsuits, have led to significant delays in license issuance and operationalization for social equity applicants

Corporate Dominance, Monopolies & Parallels to the Pharmaceutical Industry

​The high costs of licensing and establishing cannabis businesses favor large corporations, which brings concerns about corporate monopolies. ​This concentration of power can stifle competition and limit opportunities for smaller, social equity-focused businesses. ​

Profitability and "Keeping People Sick"

Some warn of parallels to the Pharmaceutical Industry, which has demonstrated significantly greater profitability compared to other large public companies. ​From 2000 to 2018, 35 large pharmaceutical companies reported cumulative net income of $1.9 trillion. ​Some profit margins reach as high as 90% for chronic medications. This business model can prioritize ongoing treatment over cures. Continuous care generates more revenue than preventing or eradicating diseases. ​

Is the Cannabis Industry profiting from addiction and keeping people sick?

Retail sales for U.S. adult-use cannabis were $31.5 billion in 2025. 2026 revenues are forecasted to be even larger. ​​As of early 2026, nearly 15,000 cannabis dispensaries are operating in the U.S., with a significant number of additional licenses in the pipeline, 700 in NY alone. Be wary and informed about the Cannabis Industry with its untethered increases in potency, high profits, and growing corporate involvement.

Help and Alternatives:

Organic THC-Free, CBD Isolate Oil

The mechanisms by which CBD may help with addiction include preventing drug-induced neuroadaptations, erasing aberrant drug memories, and alleviating co-occurring mental disorders. ​CBD interacts with various neurotransmission systems in the brain, including dopaminergic, opioidergic, serotonergic, and endocannabinoid systems. CBD is thought to have "anti-addictive" effects by modulating brain dopamine in response to drug abuse.

Another alternative is our Organic Hemp Flower. Grown locally, on an organic farm, it contains less than 0.3% THC and 16.22% CBD.

Our Organic Chill Your Bones Smoking Blend can be added to Marijuana to decrease its potency. Increasing the percentage of the blend and decreasing the percentage of marijuana over time has helped people quit. The Organic Herbs in this blend are calming, can increase dopamine, taste good, and can help heal the lungs.

Check out all of our products at spiralherbalremedies.com or visit our shop located at 810 Washington Ave, in Brooklyn, NY. We're open M, W, Th, F from 12-7 pm.

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