This Ain't Your Dad's Weed: Pot Potency Jumps

Marijuana’s average potency, as measured by the concentration of psychoactive component THC, has broken 10% for the first time after decades of steady increase, a government report says—and is expected to keep increasing, CNN notes. Potency will likely plateau at some 15% in the next 5-10 years, though some pot already has potency above 30%, scientists found.

High concentrations of THC have the opposite effect of low, and new users may not be careful about how much they take, potentially leading to dysphoria, paranoia, and irritability. Officials are particularly concerned about high-potency marijuana’s effect on adolescent brains. But warnings may have little effect on youths, said a psychiatrist: “I don’t think they reflect on what it might have been like 30 years ago.” (More drugs stories.)