New data shows that cannabis today is far more potent than in the 1990s. The average THC level in cannabis has quadrupled over the past few decades, raising concerns about health risks and how societies regulate the drug. For Thai policymakers, healthcare professionals, students, and parents, this global trend prompts questions about public health, law, and cultural attitudes toward cannabis.
In the 1990s, cannabis with around 5% THC was among the strongest options available. By 2025, many cannabis products—flowers, concentrates, and edibles—often contain 20–30% THC, with some extracts even higher. The rise is driven by advanced cultivation, selective breeding, and growing demand for stronger effects. This escalation comes with increased potential for adverse effects, particularly for new users and young people.
A comprehensive review in the American Journal of Psychiatry highlights a clear link between high-THC products and rising rates of cannabis use disorders, as well as acute psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, panic, and psychosis. In Europe and North America, similar patterns have been observed, with hashish samples in Italy, for example, showing a sharp rise in average THC content over recent years. The global picture signals that potency alone is not a neutral factor; it influences health outcomes and the burden on health systems.
Thailand’s cannabis policy has evolved rapidly since 2022, shifting from strict criminalization to a more permissive framework aimed at economic opportunity and medical use. While this shift has boosted markets for various cannabis products, health experts warn that rising potency requires careful regulation, especially to protect young people. In the United States and parts of Europe, insufficient regulatory controls contributed to more hospital visits and mental health concerns among adolescents, underscoring the need for proactive safeguards.
High-potency cannabis is often delivered through modern formats that make large doses easy to consume quickly—gummies, chocolates, beverages, and vaping liquids. These products can tempt teens and young adults and blur lines between recreation and overdose risk. Thailand would benefit from clear public education about potency and safe usage, as well as labeling standards, dosage limits, and age verification for purchases. Experts advocate aligning regulations with a standard “THC unit” to help consumers gauge serving sizes, much like alcohol measures.
Thai culture values education and family harmony, which makes adolescent cannabis use a sensitive issue. While legalization carries potential benefits, it also raises concerns about commercialization and social impact. Specialists note that cannabis dependence, especially with high-THC strains, remains a growing area of study in Asia. A national surveillance system to monitor cannabis harms is developing, but more resources and research are needed to inform policy and practice.
What can families, educators, and policymakers do now? First, stay informed that modern cannabis is not the same as the traditional herb of the past. Seek reliable information on THC concentrations and be cautious with high-potency edibles and extracts. Second, engage in open, fact-based conversations with teenagers and involve health teachers and school counselors who can provide current guidance. Third, support government investment in research and tracking systems to learn from Western experiences and implement robust public health regulation, including limits on THC in consumer products and strong protections against underage access.
Ultimately, moderation remains a guiding principle in Thai culture. Cannabis may offer medical benefits or mindful recreation for some, but today’s high-potency products demand responsibility at individual, family, and national levels. Public health authorities, educators, and policymakers should collaborate to ensure safe, informed choices for all.
For further context, insights come from research by leading health institutions and coverage that highlights the need for standardized dosing, youth protection policies, and responsible marketing practices. Data from national and international health research emphasizes that robust regulation and education are essential as cannabis policies evolve.