Colorado, US--A recent study from the University of Northern Colorado suggests that the potency of some legally sold cannabis products may be lower than the levels reported on their labels.
This discrepancy in labeling could have negative implications for the multi-billion-dollar industry.
In the study, researchers analyzed 23 cannabis flower samples from 10 Colorado dispensaries and found that 16 (70%) of these samples contained at least 15% lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations than advertised.
THC is the compound responsible for cannabis's psychoactive effects. The researchers observed considerable variation in the reported potency of the products, with THC content differing from advertised levels by as much as nearly 55% in one sample and as little as 13% in another.
The study proposes that this discrepancy in THC values could stem from a lack of standardized potency testing, limited government oversight, and potential financial incentives to promote higher-potency products.
The researchers urged dispensaries to provide more accurate labeling, as incorrect labels could affect sales and harm consumers.
Colorado's cannabis sales contributed $1.7 billion to the projected total of $33 billion in recreational and medical cannabis sales across the U.S. in 2022. Over 20 states have legalized recreational marijuana, which is expected to grow. Bills to legalize marijuana have been introduced in Iowa, Minnesota, and Ohio.
If these three states legalize marijuana, 24 U.S. states will permit recreational marijuana use, while many others have decriminalized low-level possession offenses.
Cannabis consumption among young adults has increased in recent years. A National Institutes of Health study indicates that 43% of those aged 19 to 30 used marijuana in 2021, a 34% increase over the previous five years.
However, the health effects of using cannabis products have not been as closely scrutinized as tobacco smoking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that smoking marijuana could increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases and damage lung tissues and blood vessels.
Learn more in this report.