Potency trends of cannabis in Jamaica during the period of 2014 to 2020

Abstract

Reports suggest that cannabis potency has dramatically increased over the last decade in the USA and Europe. Cannabinoids are the terpeno‐phenolic compounds found in the cannabis plant and are responsible for its pharmacological activity. The two most prominent cannabinoids are delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis potency is measured not only by the Δ9THC levels but also by the ratio of Δ9THC to other non‐psychoactive cannabinoids, namely, CBD. Cannabis use was decriminalized in Jamaica in 2015, which opened the gates for the creation of a regulated medical cannabis industry in the country. To date, there is no information available on the potency of cannabis in Jamaica. In this study, the cannabinoid content of Jamaican‐grown cannabis was examined over the period 2014–2020. Two hundred ninety‐nine herbal cannabis samples were received from 12 parishes across the island, and the levels of the major cannabinoids were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the median total THC levels of cannabis samples tested between 2014 (1.1%) and 2020 (10.2%). The highest median THC was detected in the central parish of Manchester (21.1%). During the period, THC/CBD ratios increased from 2.1 (2014) to 194.1 (2020), and there was a corresponding increase in the percent freshness of samples (CBN/THC ratios <0.013). The data show that a significant increase in the potency of locally grown cannabis has occurred in Jamaica during the last decade.

Drug driving: a secondary analysis of factors associated with driving under the influence of cannabis in Jamaica

“…This notable risk tolerance or lack thereof may also represent a concern in the workplace, given that DUIC drivers were predominantly employed in machine-operated jobs. Notwithstanding, cannabis-impaired driving, certainly within the Jamaican context, is likely also influenced by recent decriminalisation and medicalisation44 policies as seen elsewhere that have adopted a similar stance,79 and undoubtedly enhanced by sociocultural acceptance,47 easy access48 and availability of higher potency products 80. Accordingly, a calculated national initiative should seek to review current cannabis policy, include more robust regulatory mechanisms and disseminate a public education programme on the risks associated with cannabis use and driving as part of an overall prevention and deterrence effort.…”

“…Notwithstanding, cannabis-impaired driving, certainly within the Jamaican context, is likely also influenced by recent decriminalisation and medicalisation 44 policies as seen elsewhere that have adopted a similar stance, 79 and undoubtedly enhanced by sociocultural acceptance, 47 easy access 48 and availability of higher potency products. 80 Accordingly, a calculated national initiative should seek to review current cannabis policy, include more robust regulatory mechanisms and disseminate a public education programme on the risks associated with cannabis use and driving as part of an overall prevention and deterrence effort. Furthermore, the data gleaned may provide the groundwork for policy change in reducing DUIC behaviours per recommendations established in other territories that have similarly endorsed decriminalisation or legalisation.…”