CCC Culture (Originated by Colorado School of Public Health)
Dec 22, 2024
The campaign highlights the dangers of high-THC concentrations
On December 17th, 2024, the Colorado School of Public Health launched a campaign to highlight concerns with the emergence of high-thc concentration products. It aims to show how much cannabis has evolved from previous generations, and how these changes may affect cannabis users differently than before. Through an educational lens, it details the difference between THC and CBD, defines high concentration cannabis, and demonstrates changing product norms among many other pieces of helpful information. As pro-cannabis culture continues to become the norm, which is an overall positive, it should remain important to maintain honest conversations for potentially harmful discussions. The following bullet points help summarize some of the content within "The Tea on THC":
Launch of "The Tea on THC" Campaign: Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) launched an educational campaign addressing the risks of high-concentration THC.
Funding and Research: Funded by the State of Colorado in 2021, ColoradoSPH reviewed over 60,000 studies to assess the physical and mental health impacts of high-potency THC.
Targeted Audiences: The campaign prioritizes educating youth, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, who are more vulnerable to the effects of high THC concentrations.
Historical THC Trends: THC levels in cannabis have increased significantly over the decades, from an average of 4% in 1995 to over 17% in 2017, with even higher concentrations in today's products.
Resources and Tools: Features self-paced learning modules, podcasts, testimonials, and strategies for stress management without substance use.
Testimonial Highlights: Includes stories from recovery-focused students, a mother advocating against cannabis-induced psychosis, and former Denver Broncos player Brandon Lloyd sharing his experience with dependency and alternative coping strategies.
Collaborative Effort: Dean Cathy Bradley emphasized the collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and community groups to address public health concerns.
Launch Event: The campaign was officially launched on December 17, 2024, at Denver’s University Club, attended by media, community groups, and advocacy organizations.
Objective: Aims to initiate conversations about the risks of high-concentration cannabis and promote informed decision-making for better health outcomes. Some risks include cannabis use disorder, and neurocognitive impairment which is especially prominent with younger users.
Colorado SPH Official Statement on High-Concentration Cannabis: "Cannabis has been around a long time. But not like this. The large doses of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) now readily available can impact the mind and body in ways human beings have never experienced before. If you’re considering using high concentration products like oil, shatter, dab, and edibles, get some facts first. Scientists are particularly concerned about risks to young, developing brains and pregnant and nursing people."
Time will continue to tell how modernized commercial cannabis products have and will effect its users, but regardless, it's a healthy conversation to have. If you're a person finding yourself using cannabis strictly as a coping mechanism, then Colorado SPH makes some solid callouts for attempting alternative methods.
Check out the full campaign for yourself, and let CCC Culture know your thoughts in the comments.