HIV Insight: Examining the Profile of High-Potency Marijuana & Its Association with Severity of Marijuana Dependence

Monday, October 26, 2015

Examining the Profile of High-Potency Marijuana & Its Association with Severity of Marijuana Dependence

Cannabis use is decreasing in England and Wales, while demand for cannabis treatment in addiction services continues to rise. This could be partly due to an increased availability of high-potency cannabis.

Adults residing in the UK were questioned about their drug use, including three types of cannabis (high potency: skunk; low potency: other grass, resin). Cannabis types were profiled and examined for possible associations between frequency of use and (i) cannabis dependence, (ii) cannabis-related concerns.

Frequent use of high-potency cannabis predicted a greater severity of dependence [days of skunk use per month] and this effect became stronger as age decreased. By contrast, use of low-potency cannabis was not associated with dependence. Frequency of cannabis use (all types) did not predict severity of cannabis-related concerns. High-potency cannabis was clearly distinct from low-potency varieties by its marked effects on memory and paranoia. It also produced the best high, was preferred, and most available.

High-potency cannabis use is associated with an increased severity of dependence, especially in young people. Its profile is strongly defined by negative effects (memory, paranoia), but also positive characteristics (best high, preferred type), which may be important when considering clinical or public health interventions focusing on cannabis potency.

Below: Current age and first use of cannabis. Young people in the sample (currently under 23) were exposed to all three types of cannabis at similar ages. Older people were exposed to resin earlier than other types of cannabis, and skunk use was markedly delayed in the over 27's. These results support a shift in the relative availability of resin and skunk over time.