Evolution of Marijuana: How The Strength and Potency Of Pot Has Changed Over Time

A new study has revealed that marijuana is becoming stronger with increased potency level as compared to the version that existed years ago. The scientists in Colorado conducted the study after the state legislature legalised marijuana in 2014.

A Colorado-based scientist, Andy LaFrate, tested the marijuana samples in the lab during the study and found that the potency of the psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has increased from 10 percent to 30 percent in three decades. On the other hand, the level of the component known to have a therapeutic value, cannabidiol (CBD), has decreased substantially.

As far as potency goes, it's been surprising how strong a lot of the marijuana is. We've seen potency values close to 30 percent THC, which is huge," said LaFrate, reported Yibada. On the other hand, marijuana expert from Tech group in California, Anthony Fabrizio pitched in to say that the marijuana, which is available today still has medicinal properties despite the reduced CBD and escalated levels of THC, reported Live Science.

In addition, Fabrizio explained that THC and CBD have nothing to do with the feelings that a marijuana smoker gets, but the terpene compound in the drug. The research also revealed the the varying levels of contaminants, heavy metals and fungus in the marijuana buds that were examined during the study. “It’s pretty startling just how dirty a lot of this stuff is,” stated LaFrate.

The results of the study will be presented at the 249th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Denver by Charas Scientific.

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