Published March 18, 2025

We want to share a really helpful new resource that’s packed with info you can use every day to support our students: a document all about the negative health impacts of high-THC cannabis products. Yep, things have changed a lot with cannabis. It’s different now with new health risks, and this document breaks it all down.

So, why should you take a peek? Well, for starters, the cannabis products kids might be encountering today are way more potent than what was around even a few years ago. The average THC concentration in cannabis flower – the cannabis in most rolled joints – has jumped from around 3% in 1995 to a whopping 21% on average in 2017! And then there are concentrates like wax and shatter, which can clock in at a massive 60-90% THC! Public health pros in Washington State consider anything 35% THC or higher to be “high-THC” and something to be mindful of.

This isn’t just about stronger concentrations though. The document highlights how higher THC levels are linked to increased risks for some serious health stuff. We’re talking about things like:

• Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD): This is where cannabis use starts causing real problems in someone’s life, making it hard to control their use despite negative consequences. Sadly, 10-30% of cannabis users develop CUD, and rates are even higher for young people.
• Psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders: These are conditions that mess with someone’s perception of reality. The evidence strongly suggests that high-THC use increases the risk for these disorders, with the risk being 2-5 times higher and even greater for daily users.
• Other potential issues like other mental health disorders and a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (recurrent vomiting).

Now, here’s the really important part for us as school professionals. The document clearly outlines groups who are at higher risk for these negative health impacts:

• Young people under 25: Their brains are still developing, and frequent high-THC use can really mess with that.
• Students with mental health conditions (like depression or anxiety) or who have experienced childhood trauma.
• Those with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders, and
• Frequent cannabis users.

Plus, did you know that vaping is now the most common way for youth to use cannabis, and vaping often involves high-THC vape liquids? That’s a significant shift we need to be aware of.

So, how can you use this information? This new report provides you with solid, fact-based information [as evidenced by the numerous citations!] that can inform how you talk to students about cannabis risks. When you’re having those important conversations, you can now speak to the reality of increasing potency and the specific health risks associated with high-THC products. You can also be more aware of students who might be at higher risk and tailor your support accordingly.

Think of this document as another tool in your awesome toolbox for helping students make informed decisions and stay healthy. Let’s work together to keep our school community safe and well-informed!