Marijuana’s potency linked to psychosis

Putting a cap on marijuana’s THC potency will lessen the rates of schizophrenia. However, Washingtonians should know THC is still an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia, even when the potency is between 2 percent to 8 percent.

When I began smoking pot as a 12-year-old, the THC potency was about 5 percent. It was commonly used amongst my peers in Bellevue and no one knew there was any risk to using it. One time when I was getting stoned with a friend, I lost touch with reality and didn’t know who she was. My friend was fine, but I was terrified. Recently I discovered the name for this: Cannabis-Induced Psychosis. I mostly stayed away from the drug.

Can someone know ahead of time if his or her brain is sensitive to the negative effects of THC? There is no way to know until it happens. A family member liked the “fun house” feeling weed gave him; he used it every day through high school, college at the University of Washington, and graduate school at USC. He couldn’t pass his exams. He became a drug dealer, went to jail eighteen times and, convinced he was John the Baptist, lived under a freeway.

Of all the drugs which can induce psychosis, THC has the highest conversion rate to schizophrenia; eight years after use.

Higher THC potency has increased the percentage of people acquiring psychosis. How many are like my brother and, in their delusions, have chosen a life on the streets?

Lowering THC potency will reduce mental illness and homelessness.

Heidi Anderson-Swan

Hermosa Beach, Calif.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, July 5

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A Volunteers of America Western Washington crisis counselor talks with somebody on the phone Thursday, July 28, 2022, in at the VOA Behavioral Health Crisis Call Center in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Dire results will follow end of LGBTQ+ crisis line

The Trump administration will end funding for a 988 line that serves youths in the LGBTQ+ community.

Comment: Keep county’s public lands in the public’s hands

Now pulled from consideration, the potential sale threatened the county’s resources and environment.

Comment: Companies can’t decide when they’ll be good neighbors

Consumers and officials should hold companies accountable for fair policies and fair prices.

Comment: State’s new tax on digital sales ads unfair and unwise

Washington’s focus on chasing new tax revenue could drive innovation and the jobs to other states.

Forum: Protecting, ensuring our freedoms in uncertain times

Independence means neither blind celebration nor helpless despair; it requires facing the work of democracy.

Forum: World peace starts with not firing missiles at each other

If a kindergartner can grasp the inhumanity of violence against innocents, shouldn’t it be clear to us.

toon
Editorial: Using discourse to get to common ground

A Building Bridges panel discussion heard from lawmakers and students on disagreeing agreeably.

The Buzz: Flush with BBB tax breaks? Hit the Trump Store.

The rest of you can grab a spot under the bus the GOP has thrown you and enjoy the ride.

Schwab: Taking pride in our own independence from tyranny

Many of us are Americans by luck of birth here; real pride requires commitment to democratic values.

Comment:A chance to make nation more united for its 250th

Let’s refresh the meaning of the Declaration for all and rededicate ourselves to pursuing it.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.