By Renata Hill, Moodfuel
The Colorado School of Public Health has launched a new website to raise awareness about the risks associated with high-concentration THC products
A new website states, "Cannabis has been around for a long time, but not like this." It's the introduction to a public awareness campaign, called "The Tea on THC," mandated by a 2021 state law and supported by diverse advocates, clinicians, a famous pro athlete and other Colorado residents.
It refers to the cannabis industry's refinement of marijuana strains carrying very high doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Manufactured into high-concentration products, like oil, shatter, dab and edibles, the super-powered THC can affect young, developing brains in ways humans haven't previously experienced. Those effects have public health researchers concerned.
"Today's cannabis products contain far more of the psychoactive ingredient, THC, than those of the past," said Dr. Jonathan Samet, a CSPH professor, epidemiologist and pulmonary physician, in a press release.
The initiative started in 2021 after Colorado State House Bill 21-1317 passed. The legislation directed researchers at CSPH on the CU Anschutz campus in Aurora to study the physical and mental health effects of high-potency THC, then report the findings.
They found that THC has evolved. In the 1980s, concentrations of THC averaged about three percent per gram of product. Today's potent products range up to 95 percent per gram with the concentration varying between batches. Consumers, especially young people, may be ingesting far more THC that they realize, opening themselves to a range of negative mental health consequences, from anxiety and impaired cognitive development to addiction and psychosis.
The public health campaign features self-paced learnings, podcasts, resource links and alternative coping strategies. This content is aimed at youth, pregnant people and nursing mothers and parents.
The Tea on THC also showcases lived experience presented in highly impactful, short videos. Students at 5280 High School, a Colorado recovery-focused school in Denver, talk about the impacts of high-concentration THC.
5280 High School students and mentors discuss their lives on high-concentration THC. Video courtesy of "The Tea on THC" website.
Another video features advocate, author and Douglas County resident Laura Stack, who lost her son, Johnny, to suicide from cannabis-induced psychosis. She formed Johnny's Ambassadors to educate and advocate for families and wrote The Dangerous Truth about Today's Marijuana, focusing on the science and data behind the high concentrations of THC.
Laura Stack discusses her son, Johnny, and her efforts to educate youth and parents about the risks of high concentrations of THC. Video courtesy of "The Tea on THC" website.
Perhaps the most highlighted testimonial is that of former Denver Broncos All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who experienced cannabis-associated paranoia, mood swings and dependency until he changed his coping strategies.
Brandon Lloyd discusses his personal experiences with high-potency THC. Video courtesy of "The Tea on THC" website.
"Our hope is that The Tea on THC campaign will get the conversation started around the risks associated with today's cannabis," said Dr. Cathy Bradley, dean of CSPH. "Talking through difficult truths with people you trust is the way to better health, and Colorado is ready to have that conversation."
For more information or if you need support, view The Tea on THC website.
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