A recent study featured in Addiction has revealed that young adults in the United States tend to not adjust their cannabis consumption based on the potency of the product. Instead, individuals who use high-potency cannabis often consume it more frequently and in larger quantities compared to those using weaker forms of the drug.
The research surveyed over 400 young adults in California who had used cannabis in the past month. Participants rated the strength of their usual cannabis product on a scale of 0 (no THC) to 5 (very high THC concentration).
THC, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis responsible for producing the “high” sensation. Nearly half of the surveyed individuals reported regularly using high or very high-potency cannabis flower.
Participants were asked about the frequency of their cannabis flower consumption, the typical daily intake, and the quantity consumed per day. Those consuming stronger potency cannabis were found to smoke more frequently and in larger amounts compared to those using low or moderate-strength cannabis.
Each incremental step on the THC potency scale was associated with an increase of 3.33 days of cannabis use per month and 0.13 grams of cannabis flower consumed per day.
Additionally, participants completed a CUDIT-R questionnaire (Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test—Revised) to assess symptoms of cannabis use disorder. The scores rose by an average of 1.21 with each level of THC potency, indicating a higher likelihood of problematic cannabis use among those using products with increased THC content.
A CUDIT-R score of 8 or higher suggests potentially problematic cannabis use, while a score of 13 or more indicates a probable cannabis use disorder. The study was unable to establish a direct causal relationship between THC potency and the risk of cannabis use disorder.
Lead researcher Dr. Michael Dunbar from the RAND research organization emphasized the importance of understanding the potency of cannabis products, especially as the market for high-potency cannabis expands. He stated, “Our study demonstrates that young adults who opt for stronger cannabis products often consume more and exhibit greater symptoms of cannabis use disorder.”
For more details, the study titled “High potency cannabis flower use is associated with heavier consumption and risk for cannabis use disorder among young adults in California, United States” can be accessed in Addiction (2025) with DOI: 10.1111/add.70118.
This article was provided by the Society for the Study of Addiction.
More information:
High potency cannabis flower use is associated with heavier consumption and risk for cannabis use disorder among young adults in California, United States, Addiction (2025). DOI: 10.1111/add.70118
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Study shows young adults who use high strength cannabis do not ‘titrate’ to less risky levels of use (2025, July 31)
retrieved 31 July 2025
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