THC Inflation in the Cannabis Industry: Debunking the Myths and Understanding the Real Benefits

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THC inflation has emerged as a significant issue in the cannabis industry, with one of the major distributors, Organigram, recently expressing concerns about this practice. In this article, we will explore:

• the detrimental effects of inflating THC levels
• prevalence of  cheating in laboratories across America,

The Misinterpretation of THC:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and it has been traditionally associated with the “high” users experience. However, this narrow perception of THC overlooks the potential benefits of other components in the cannabis plant. Research has shown that THC needs to work in conjunction with other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes to produce a more well-rounded and superior experience for consumers¹.

Academic studies:

• A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (JPSM) found that a combination of THC and CBD (cannabidiol) provided better pain relief in cancer patients compared to THC alone.
• Another study in the British Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated the entourage effect, where the combined action of various cannabinoids enhanced the overall therapeutic potential of cannabis.

The Reason People Believe These Claims:

The misconception surrounding THC’s superiority can be attributed to several factors, including marketing strategies that focus solely on THC potency and consumer demand for the strongest products available. As a result, some dispensaries may prioritize high-THC products to cater to this demand, neglecting the potential benefits of a more balanced cannabinoid profile.

Academic studies:

• A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlighted the increased demand for high-potency cannabis products in the United States, which may contribute to inflated THC claims.

Laboratories Fudging the Numbers:
Regrettably, some laboratories across America have been accused of inflating THC levels in cannabis products. This dishonest practice has serious consequences for both dispensaries and consumers. Firstly, it creates a false sense of confidence in the buyer, leading to potential letdown or pushback when the expected effects are not achieved. Secondly, it provides governing authorities with another reason to scrutinize and potentially further regulate the industry.

Academic studies:

• A report by the American Chemical Society (ACS) discussed the lack of standardized testing procedures for cannabinoids in cannabis products, leaving room for manipulation and inconsistency.

Lab Shopping

Many unscrupulous dispensaries will utilize a group of labs so that they find the highest percentage. The problem with these approaches is that the consumer doesn’t know what they’re really getting, which violates a key tenet of our industry: transparency and honesty. A solution to this problem is secondary and tertiary testing at different laboratories, and testing different strains at multiple labs. This opens up the dispensary to vulnerabilities like audits and regulation.

THC inflation in the cannabis industry poses significant challenges for dispensaries, patients, and the industry as a whole. By dispelling the misinterpretation of THC, addressing the reasons behind these claims, and emphasizing the importance of a balanced cannabinoid profile, we can work towards a more informed and responsible cannabis market that prioritizes the well-being of consumers. Transparent and standardized testing practices are essential for ensuring consumers receive products that match their expectations, and it is the responsibility of everyone in the industry, including budtenders, to educate and advocate for a more holistic understanding of cannabis and its potential benefits.

Impact on Budtenders and Patients:

As a professional budtender, providing accurate information to patients is crucial. However, the prevalence of inflated THC claims can lead to potential conflicts with patients who rely on budtender recommendations. When a consumer expects a specific experience based on THC potency but receives a different outcome, it can erode trust and confidence in both the product and the budtender’s expertise.

Academic studies:

• An article in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs highlighted the importance of education and training for budtenders to ensure they can provide accurate and reliable information to consumers.:

¹ The most well-known proposed mechanism for CBD is its non-competitive antagonistic effect on type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) and type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2)