Changes in the composition of cannabis from 2000–2017 in Denmark: Analysis of confiscated samples of cannabis resin.

Thomsen, Kristine Rømer; Lindholst, Christian; Thylstrup, Birgitte; Kvamme, Sinikka L.; Reitzel, Lotte Ask; Worm-Leonhard, Martin; Englund, Amir; Freeman, Tom P.; Hesse, Morten

doi:10.1037/pha0000303

Cited by 37 publications

(32 citation statements)

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“…For example, some (but not all [44]) studies have reported that the acute effects of THC on verbal memory impairment [45,46] and psychotic-like symptoms [46,47] were partially offset when CBD was co-administered with THC. Analyses of cannabis resin seizures in both France and Denmark indicated that CBD concentrations remained stable from 2006 to 2016 (~4% in France [23] and~6% in Denmark [48]), while THC increased markedly, following the same trend and time-course as we report here across Europe. Analyses of cannabis resin seizures in both France and Denmark indicated that CBD concentrations remained stable from 2006 to 2016 (~4% in France [23] and~6% in Denmark [48]), while THC increased markedly, following the same trend and time-course as we report here across Europe.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 76%

“…An important limitation of the current study is that data on CBD were not collected. Analyses of cannabis resin seizures in both France and Denmark indicated that CBD concentrations remained stable from 2006 to 2016 (~4% in France [23] and~6% in Denmark [48]), while THC increased markedly, following the same trend and time-course as we report here across Europe. On the basis of these data, it might be expected that CBD concentrations also remained relatively stable across Europe from 2006 to 2016, although further evidence would be needed to support or refute this.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 76%

“…An important limitation of the current study is that data on CBD were not collected. As a result of rising THC and stable CBD in France and Denmark, THC : CBD ratios rose in both countries [23,48]. On the basis of these data, it might be expected that CBD concentrations also remained relatively stable across Europe from 2006 to 2016, although further evidence would be needed to support or refute this.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…On the basis of these data, it might be expected that CBD concentrations also remained relatively stable across Europe from 2006 to 2016, although further evidence would be needed to support or refute this. As a result of rising THC and stable CBD in France and Denmark, THC : CBD ratios rose in both countries [23,48]. Information on CBD and the THC : CBD ratio may provide important additional information on the harmful effects of cannabis, in addition to THC alone.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Increasing potency and price of cannabis in Europe, 2006–16

et al. 2019

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Aims To quantify changes in (i) potency (concentration of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol; %THC), (ii) price (euros/g of cannabis) and (iii) value (mg THC/euro) of cannabis resin and herbal cannabis in Europe. Design Repeated cross‐sectional study. Setting and participants Data collected from 28 European Union (EU) member states, Norway and Turkey by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Measurements Outcome variables were potency, price and value for cannabis resin and herbal cannabis in Europe, 2006–16. Inflation was estimated using the Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices. Mixed‐effects linear regression models were used to estimate linear and quadratic time trends, with a random intercept and slope fitted to account for variation across countries. Findings Resin potency increased from a mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 8.14% THC (6.89, 9.49) in 2006 to 17.22 (15.23, 19.25) in 2016. Resin price increased from 8.21 euros/g (7.54, 8.97) to 12.27 (10.62, 14.16). Resin increased in value, from 11.00 mg THC per euro (8.60, 13.62) to 16.39 (13.68, 19.05). Quadratic time trends for resin potency and value indicated minimal change from 2006 to 2011, followed by marked increases from 2011 to 2016. Herbal cannabis potency increased from 5.00% THC (3.91, 6.23) to 10.22 (9.01, 11.47). Herbal price increased from 7.36 euros/g (6.22, 8.53) to 12.22 (10.59, 14.03). The value of herbal cannabis did not change from 12.65 mg of THC per euro (10.18, 15.34) to 12.72 (10.73, 14.73). All price trends persisted after adjusting for inflation. Conclusions European cannabis resin and herbal cannabis increased in potency and price from 2006 to 2016. Cannabis resin (but not herbal cannabis) increased in the quantity of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol per euro spent. Marked increases in resin potency and value from 2011 to 2016 are consistent with the emergence of new resin production techniques in European and neighbouring drug markets.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 76%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 76%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Increasing potency and price of cannabis in Europe, 2006–16

et al. 2019

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“…Precision may be increased by asking people to physically estimate the amount of cannabis they use with cannabis material or a substitute . The increasing number of studies quantifying THC and CBD concentrations in illicit cannabis markets and the use of pictorial aids (Fig. ) during substance use assessments may help to improve estimation of THC and CBD dosage in jurisdictions where cannabis use is illegal.…”

Section: Remaining Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Standard THC units’: a proposal to standardize dose across all cannabis products and methods of administration

2019

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Background and Aims Cannabis products are becoming increasingly diverse, and vary considerably in concentrations of ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Higher doses of THC can increase the risk of harm from cannabis, while CBD may partially offset some of these effects. Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines currently lack recommendations based on quantity of use, and could be improved by implementing standard units. However, there is currently no consensus on how units should be measured or standardized among different cannabis products or methods of administration. Argument Existing proposals for standard cannabis units have been based on specific methods of administration (e.g. joints) and these may not capture other methods, including pipes, bongs, blunts, dabbing, vaporizers, vape pens, edibles and liquids. Other proposals (e.g. grams of cannabis) cannot account for heterogeneity in THC concentrations among different cannabis products. Similar to alcohol units, we argue that standard cannabis units should reflect the quantity of primary active pharmacological constituents (dose of THC). On the basis of experimental and ecological data, public health considerations and existing policy, we propose that a ‘standard THC unit’ should be fixed at 5 mg THC for all cannabis products and methods of administration. If supported by sufficient evidence in future, consumption of standard CBD units might offer an additional strategy for harm reduction. Conclusions Standard ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) units can potentially be applied among all cannabis products and methods of administration to guide consumers and promote safer patterns of use.

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Development Over Time of the Population-Attributable Risk Fraction for Cannabis Use Disorder in Schizophrenia in Denmark

2021

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everal studies and meta-analyses 1,2 have indicated that the risk of schizophrenia and related psychoses is increased for people who use cannabis. The association appears to be particularly driven by heavy and frequent cannabis use. 2,3 This has led to a persisting hypothesis that cannabis may be a component cause of schizophrenia, at least in some people. This hypothesis is strengthened by several factors, such as strong attempts to control for reverse causation (eg, people self-medicating prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia). Similarly, cannabis-induced psychosis has been found to be associated with later onset of schizophrenia. [4][5][6] Furthermore, experimental evidence strongly suggests that cannabis, even in relatively low doses, causes psychoticlike symptoms in healthy individuals. [7][8][9]

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Changes in the composition of cannabis from 2000–2017 in Denmark: Analysis of confiscated samples of cannabis resin.

Cited by 37 publications

References 52 publications

Increasing potency and price of cannabis in Europe, 2006–16

Increasing potency and price of cannabis in Europe, 2006–16

‘Standard THC units’: a proposal to standardize dose across all cannabis products and methods of administration

Development Over Time of the Population-Attributable Risk Fraction for Cannabis Use Disorder in Schizophrenia in Denmark

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