Colorado Officials Seek to Limit Legal Cannabis Potency

Prohibitionists have long trotted out the “this isn’t your father’s pot” rhetoric, claiming that high potency cannabis can “produce psychotic effects and has been linked to Colorado deaths and a spike in hospitalizations”. These claims have been debunked countless times. Other, more dangerous substances were present in almost every single case where THC has been found in the systems of those hospitalized – and in every case of death. But of course, these facts do not stop those who are anti-cannabis from regurgitating this tired nonsense.  

As you probably already know, Colorado offers some of the most potent legal cannabis in the world. A study conducted by the Colorado Department of Revenue found the average potency of cannabis in the state is 17.1 percent for bud, and 62.1 percent for concentrates. Breeders and growers are constantly improving the quality and safety of their products, which is a good thing for the industry. But leave it to prohibitionists to turn what’s great news for medical users and recreational consumers into bad news for civil liberties.

A proposed ballot initiative could cap THC potency of recreational cannabis at 16 percent in the state. Proponents of the ballot measure are saying that the effects of THC on the brain need to be better researched. The Colorado Legislature adjourned on May 1st.

Naturally, the hysterical line of “think of the children!” is also being spewed, invoking the public’s emotions regarding the effects of cannabis on child brain development. Which is a very curious position when you look at the facts and consider how cannabis’ illegality at the federal level severely hinders much of the necessary testing and studying of the plant. Not to mention, consumption of recreational cannabis is already illegal for anyone under the age of 21. And anyone who has seen the processes and protocols that dispensaries and retail locations have to go through already know that underage children having legal access to cannabis isn’t an issue.

This proposed ballot measure is yet another way for prohibitionists to attempt to impact legal cannabis. The supporters of the proposed ballot measure seek to reduce the quality of safe, legal cannabis on the basis of faulty understandings and debunked rhetoric. Unsurprisingly, these people don’t seem to be concerned with the potency of some kinds of alcohol, as the sale of grain alcohol of 75% ABV and 91% ABV are legal in the state of Colorado. Legally selling alcohol that could literally strip the paint off your wall is perfectly fine in these people’s eyes, yet it’s important to limit the potency of cannabis medicine that many patients rely on daily to relieve various ailments.

06/29/2016 Correction: 

A proposed ballot measure and an amendment to a bill in the Colorado State House could cap THC potency of recreational cannabis at 15 percent. Republican state representative Kathleen Conti is backing the bill, stating the effects of THC on the brain need to be better researched.

Amendment 139 is yet another way for prohibitionists to attempt to impact legal cannabis. The supporters of the amendment seek to reduce the quality of safe, legal cannabis on the basis of faulty understandings and debunked rhetoric.