A wave of recent studies is drawing global attention to a striking trend: the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in cannabis – the primary compound responsible for the drug’s psychoactive “high” – is now far more potent than in previous decades. According to new data reported by Axios, the average THC level in U.S. cannabis has quadrupled since the 1990s, signaling both significant changes for cannabis users and new health concerns for society at large Axios. For Thai readers—whether policymakers, healthcare providers, students, or parents—the global surge in high-potency cannabis raises important questions about public health, legal approaches, and cultural attitudes toward marijuana.
Not long ago, “pot” meant something vastly different from today’s products. Back in the 1990s, cannabis with around 5% THC was among the strongest options available on the market. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s common to see flowers, concentrates, and edibles boasting THC content of 20-30%, with some extracts going even higher Axios, PsyciatryOnline.org, ScienceDaily. This rapid climb wasn’t accidental; it’s the result of sophisticated cultivation, selective breeding, and consumer demand for ever-stronger highs. Unfortunately, this “arms race” of THC escalation comes with a rising risk of adverse effects—especially in inexperienced users or young adults.
A systematic review published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in March 2024 confirmed a decades-long trend of increasing THC concentrations in both herbal and resin cannabis products across the United States and Europe. The authors warn that the popularity of high-THC formulations is directly linked to an increase in cannabis use disorder, as well as higher rates of acute psychiatric symptoms, such as psychosis, anxiety, and panic attacks PsyciatryOnline.org. In Italy, researchers reported that hashish samples’ average THC content jumped from 13.7% in 2015 to 27.1% in 2022, with some samples exceeding 40%, a trend mirrored in multiple countries PubMed .
But what does this mean for Thailand, where cannabis laws have shifted rapidly since 2022? For decades, cannabis held an ambiguous place in Thai culture, often associated with traditional medicine (ยารักษาโรค) and local cropping but criminalized under successive governments. The major decriminalization move in 2022 put Thailand in the global spotlight, triggering a domestic boom in cannabis products—from low-potency medicines to high-strength recreational offerings. Yet as the world now grapples with the health consequences of potent modern cannabis, Thailand’s regulatory and health sectors must act with knowledge and caution.
Medical experts emphasize the greater danger of potent cannabis for younger users. According to a 2024 clinical review in PubMed, adolescents and young adults are among the most vulnerable to the negative neurocognitive effects of high-THC products, including Memory loss, impaired learning, reduced academic achievement, and increased risks of psychiatric disease. “High-potency cannabis is not the benign herb many believe it to be—especially for the developing brain,” warns Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the US National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA.gov. Similar warnings have come from Yale Medical School: “Rising THC concentrations can pose devastating mental health risks…greater risk of psychosis, cognitive impairment, dependence, and other psychiatric conditions, particularly in youth and those with vulnerability to mental health disorders,” notes a public health communication from Yale Yale Medicine.
Thai policymakers are already confronting this complex health puzzle. The country’s rapid cannabis liberalization initially focused on economic benefits, public health savings, and preserving cultural ties to cannabis-based remedies. But scientists advise looking east and west: In the U.S. and parts of Europe, rising cannabis potency was not matched by adequate regulatory oversight, leading to a jump in dosage-related hospital visits and mental health episodes, particularly among adolescents and first-time users Washington City Paper, East Bay Times.
Equally concerning is the sophistication and marketing of new cannabis forms—THC gummies, chocolates, drinks, vaping liquids—where high doses can be consumed rapidly, sometimes inadvertently. These products can be especially tempting or accessible to teens and young adults, blurring lines between recreation and accidental overdose.
For Thailand, this necessitates urgent public education (การให้ความรู้ภาคประชาชน) about potency, risks, and the importance of responsible consumption. Effective labeling, controls on THC dosage in commercial products, age verification for buyers, and prominent consumer warnings—these are policy moves that global public health experts advocate. Dr. Volkow and her colleagues suggest aligning these regulations to a “standard THC unit” (e.g., 5 mg per serving) to educate consumers and prevent overdose, much like standard measures exist for alcohol serving sizes NIDA.gov.
The cultural backdrop in Thailand complicates matters. Cannabis use, while deeply embedded in some rural traditions, was long associated with criminal penalties and social stigma. Recent legalization has, paradoxically, rekindled both a sense of cultural pride and concern about the negative impacts of commercialization. In a society that places high value on academic achievement (ความสำเร็จทางวิชาการ) and family harmony, risks of adolescent cannabis misuse strike a particularly sensitive chord. Addiction specialists point out that cannabis dependence, particularly from high-THC strains, is a growing—though still under-studied—problem in Asia. The development of a Thai-specific surveillance network for cannabis harms is underway, but more resources and research (การวิจัยเพิ่มเติม) are needed.
What can Thai families, educators, and policymakers do right now? First, stay informed: Know that modern cannabis is not the mild, traditional herb of decades past. Check for information about THC concentration whenever considering new products, and be wary of high-potency edibles, vapes, or extracts. Second, talk openly with teenagers about cannabis, using real facts—not just scare tactics—to reduce the likelihood of risky behavior. Health teachers and school counselors should be included in these efforts, equipped with the latest international research and clear guidance on emerging product trends.
Third, urge the government to invest in comprehensive research and tracking systems, learning from the experiences of Western countries. High-potency cannabis requires robust public health regulation, including limits on THC in consumer products and strong measures to prevent underage access. As experiences in the U.S. have shown, without such regulations, harms from potent cannabis can outpace the benefits for both individual users and wider society Axios, ScienceDaily.
Finally, remember the wisdom in moderation (ความพอเหมาะพอควร) that underpins much of Thai culture. Cannabis, for some, offers medical benefits or mindful recreation. But modern cannabis is more powerful than ever, and with increased strength comes greater responsibility—for individuals, families, and the whole of Thai society.
For more information, consult resources from the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Yale Medicine (Yale Medicine), and the latest medical research available on PubMed, or keep updated with reputable news from publications like Axios and Washington City Paper.