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Analysis Reveals Widespread Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Extreme Potencies, and Systemic Tax Evasion in the Unregulated “Hemp” Market
SACRAMENTO, CA — A new analysis of 104 so-called “hemp” products from 68 brands has uncovered a public health crisis in California’s unregulated hemp market.
The white paper, The Great Hemp Hoax, reveals that 95 percent of tested products contained chemically synthesized cannabinoids, which are prohibited in California.
“Much of what’s being sold as ‘hemp; today isn’t hemp at all — it’s a cocktail of synthetic intoxicants and illicit THC masquerading as a natural, legal product. It’s essentially the ultra-processed junk food of cannabis, but far more dangerous,” said Tiffany Devitt, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Groundwork Holdings, Inc. “These companies aren’t just skirting regulations – they’re putting consumers at serious risk with designer drugs that look a whole lot more like ‘Spice’ than natural hemp.”
Laboratory testing also found alarming potency levels:
- Some gummies contained 32 times more THC than what’s legally allowed in California’s regulated cannabis market.
- Vape products had THC equivalencies averaging 268% above California’s legal threshold.
- Nearly half of the tested products contained THCP, a synthetic compound up to 30 times more potent than natural THC.
- Other products included psychoactive substances such as kratom and hallucinogenic mushrooms — all sold under the guise of hemp.
“We’re not just seeing high-potency THC; we’re seeing an influx of synthetic compounds with unknown health risks,” said Josh Swider, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs. “Many of these substances are unregulated, untested, and more potent than anything found in nature.”
Beyond the public health concerns, these unregulated products are undermining California’s legal cannabis industry and evading taxes:
- 91% of tested products failed to collect California sales taxes.
- None of the vendors remitted required cannabis excise taxes when required to do so.
“These illicit operations aren’t just dangerous — they’re undercutting California’s regulated cannabis businesses and workers,” said Kristin Heidelbach, Legislative Director of the United Food and Commercial Workers, Western States Council. “While licensed cannabis businesses provide good union jobs and comply with strict labor standards, many synthetic ‘hemp’ producers manufacture out-of-state or import from overseas, dodging California’s labor laws and tax obligations.” (for complete story UFCW)
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The simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis has become a concerning trend, particularly among young adults aged 18–25, who are often navigating newfound independence in university or college environments. This behaviour, referred to as alcohol and cannabis co-use, involves the consumption of both substances on the same day, whether simultaneously (overlapping effects) or concurrently (separated by time but within the same 24-hour period). Some may perceive co-use as a way to enhance pleasurable experiences, but it significantly risks health, safety, and long-term well-being.
Why Do Young Adults Engage in Co-Use? One key factor driving alcohol and cannabis co-use is the pursuit of pleasure – pure hedonic motivators. Numerous studies have documented that young adults perceive co-use as more enjoyable compared to consuming either substance on its own. Individuals report experiences such as enhanced euphoria, reduced stress, and feelings of social bonding when alcohol and cannabis are used together.
Laboratory studies suggest that when alcohol is consumed, it heightens the absorption of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, intensifying sensations of euphoria. This additive or synergistic effect can reinforce the desire to co-use, even for those who may feel ambivalent about either substance independently.
Motivations for this behaviour also extend to enhancement motives, suggesting that young adults co-use in pursuit of an elevated mood or heightened pleasure. However, while they report enhanced enjoyment, research has found that this perception of increased pleasure may not always correlate with their actual experience.
Acute and Long-Term Risks of Co-Use: While the simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis may appear pleasurable in the moment, it is critical to underscore the severe risks associated with this behaviour. Co-use heightens the likelihood of experiencing acute negative outcomes, including:
- Hangovers and blackouts from excessive alcohol consumption.
- Cognitive impairment and memory issues exacerbated by combining substances.
- Respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly for individuals prone to health complications.
- Substance use disorders, with increased potential for dependency when mixing substances regularly.
Alcohol and cannabis co-use poses dangers that extend beyond the short term. Prolonged or frequent use can impair decision-making abilities, erode mental health, and contribute to academic decline. Furthermore, the presence of synthetic substances such as fentanyl in counterfeit cannabis products has amplified the risk of overdose.
Young adults who engage in this behaviour often dismiss these risks, falsely believing that the temporary pleasures outweigh the likelihood of harm they may face later in life.
Adverse Social and Health Implications: The societal cost of alcohol and cannabis co-use is significant. Beyond immediate health consequences, engaging in risky behaviours serves to normalise substance dependency among peers and younger populations. For college students, the practice of regular co-use diminishes their ability to fully engage in educational opportunities, raising the likelihood of academic failure and decreased life prospects over time.
Additionally, individuals who combine alcohol and cannabis are more likely to engage in unsafe behaviours such as impaired driving, violence, or unprotected sex, broadening the scope of harm to themselves and society. Family and friends often feel the ripple effects, including emotional distress and strained relationships.
Moving Towards Prevention: With increased reports of alcohol and cannabis co-use in young adults, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and families must take collective action to minimise this behaviour. The importance of raising awareness about the realities of co-use cannot be emphasised enough. Young people should be made aware of the immediate risks, such as cognitive impairment and overdose, alongside the long-term consequences that may irreparably harm their futures.
Efforts must focus on prevention strategies that guide young adults towards making healthier choices. Schools and universities must establish support systems that dissuade substance use while encouraging meaningful engagement in alternative activities. Rather than normalising the pursuit of pleasure through substances, fostering opportunities for natural social bonding, exercise, and creativity offers lasting rewards without compromising well-being.
Furthermore, clear communication from families and strict regulations surrounding substance accessibility help reduce instances of co-use. Educators, community leaders, and healthcare professionals can also work together to develop robust intervention programmes that address peer pressures and social misconceptions early on.
(Source: Science Direct)
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Cannabis: A Real 'Heart Stopper'? An Exposé on Heart Harm - Part 1
This comprehensive analysis examines the extensive evidence linking cannabis use to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, synthesizing data from multiple large-scale studies and systematic reviews. https://wrdnews.org/cannabis-a-real-heart-stopper-an-expose-on-heart-harm-part-1/
#cannabisismedicine that isn't! #CannabisLifestyle that isn't! #cannabisculture that isn't!
Cannabis: A Real 'Heart Stopper'? An Exposé on Heart Harm - Part 2
The perioperative period represents a unique window of vulnerability for cannabis users, where cardiovascular risks can manifest in particularly challenging ways https://wrdnews.org/cannabis-a-real-heart-stopper-an-expose-on-heart-harm-part-2/
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Cannabis use during pregnancy has become an alarming trend in recent years. Many women turn to it in the hope of easing stress, anxiety, or depression. But does it actually help, or does it introduce more risks than benefits? A recent study highlights the connection between cannabis use during pregnancy and mental health, raising important concerns that need attention.
Does Cannabis Use Help Mental Health During Pregnancy?
Research involving 504 pregnant individuals set out to determine whether cannabis use during pregnancy could alleviate depression and stress. Shockingly, this study found no positive impact on mental health outcomes. Despite some individuals reporting cannabis use to manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression, their mental health did not improve compared to those who abstained.
On the contrary, individuals who chose cannabis as a coping tool started their pregnancies with higher stress and depression levels. Yet, their symptoms showed no faster improvement over time. This not only highlights the ineffectiveness of cannabis in treating mental health issues but raises questions about its role in masking deeper problems rather than addressing them.
Risks to Both Mother and Baby
Perhaps the most troubling finding was the harm posed to the unborn child. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is associated with lower birth weights, a factor that can lead to long-term developmental challenges. Studies have also linked cannabis use during pregnancy to behavioural problems in children. This shows the serious risks it poses to both mum and baby.
As highlighted by SAMHSA, “Marijuana use during pregnancy can be harmful to a baby’s health and cause many serious problems, including stillbirth, preterm birth, and growth and development issues”. Avoiding cannabis during pregnancy is essential to give the baby the healthiest start in life.
Breaking the Myths Around Cannabis
The growing cultural narrative that cannabis is harmless has fuelled its increasing use during pregnancy. This shift in perception is dangerous, particularly when scientific evidence continues to emphasise the risks. Many expectant mothers are unaware of how damaging cannabis can be, both in the short term and in the long run.
The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that “marijuana use during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, because THC can enter the fetal brain from the mother’s bloodstream. Research also suggests increased risk for premature birth and potentially stillbirth”. (FDA)
These findings underline the importance of challenging misconceptions and promoting awareness about the real dangers of cannabis use during pregnancy.
The Importance of Prevention
This study highlights the critical importance of prevention. Depression and stress are common during pregnancy, yet cannabis is not the solution. A preventative approach, focused on education and creating awareness about the dangers of substance use, is essential.
Healthcare providers and communities need to work together to offer safe, evidence-based support for mental health during pregnancy. From universal screenings for depression to promoting open conversations about stress, the emphasis must be on ensuring mothers have access to safer solutions. Prevention starts by equipping individuals with the knowledge to choose better options for themselves and their families.
The Societal Impact of Substance Use
The rising rates of cannabis use during pregnancy are a reflection of a larger societal issue—substance use normalisation. When substances like cannabis are viewed as acceptable, even during critical stages like pregnancy, it sets a dangerous precedent. This normalisation extends far beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and public health systems.
Addiction and substance dependency not only take a toll on the individual but also place a burden on healthcare resources and community support systems. By choosing prevention and promoting drug-free lifestyles, society can reduce the ripple effect of these harmful behaviours. This is not just about individual health—it’s about creating a healthier society for all.
Building Community Support for a Drug-Free Lifestyle
Combatting cannabis use during pregnancy requires a united front. Communities play a crucial role in fostering environments where drug-free lifestyles are celebrated and supported. This includes providing stronger social networks, educational resources, and programmes that uplift individuals most at risk of turning to substances.
Family and community support can make a world of difference for expectant mothers. Encouragement, understanding, and readily available resources to address mental health challenges can steer individuals away from substance use. A society that values care and prevention over quick fixes is one that thrives.
The Call for a Healthier Future
The rising use of cannabis during pregnancy needs urgent attention from everyone—individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Supporting the health of mothers and their babies should be a top priority in public health efforts. By raising awareness about the dangers of cannabis and offering safer, healthier options, we can help create stronger families and communities.
Building a healthier future starts with prevention. By saying no to substance use and making better choices, we can ensure brighter, healthier lives for mothers, their children, and future generations. (Source: JAMA Network)
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Cannabis use has become increasingly common around the globe, particularly as legalisation has expanded. However, the growing perception of cannabis as a benign substance is far from the truth. Studies continue to shed light on the significant impact cannabis can have on brain function, with both short- and long-term consequences. Whether used recently or over a lifetime, cannabis use carries substantial risks, especially regarding cognitive health.
The Long-Term Effects of Heavy Cannabis Use on the Brain: A recent large-scale study examined young adults with varying levels of cannabis use, revealing troubling insights into the drug’s impact. Heavy lifetime cannabis use, defined as more than 1,000 uses, was found to significantly affect brain activity during cognitive tasks, particularly those requiring working memory. Specifically, users showed lower activation in critical regions such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior insula — areas essential for logic, decision-making, and memory retention.
These findings suggest that cannabis can fundamentally alter brain architecture. The results align with evidence showing cortical thinning and reduced receptor availability in regions affected by cannabis. Neural adaptation caused by exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, likely underpins these changes, which may carry lasting impacts on cognitive abilities.
How Recent Cannabis Use Impairs Brain Function: For individuals who have recently consumed cannabis, brain activation during tasks requiring mental effort also declines. A key finding is that heavy users continued to display reduced working memory function even when they abstained from cannabis before testing, emphasising the drug’s lingering effects on brain health. Those who used cannabis recently also exhibited compromised brain function associated with social processing, hinting at deficits in understanding and responding to social cues effectively.
Cognitive Domains Most Affected by Cannabis: Research highlights that brain functions tied to working memory, logical reasoning, and language are the most severely impacted by cannabis use. These functions are critical for academic success, professional productivity, and maintaining healthy relationships. The diminished brain activation observed in these areas may contribute to poor decision-making, reduced problem-solving abilities, and an overall decline in cognitive performance.
Psychosocial Risks Tied to Cannabis Use: The study also links cannabis use with deficits in the theory of mind – the ability to empathise and understand others’ mental states. This, in part, explains cannabis’ association with heightened risks of developing mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia. Altered brain function in areas responsible for processing emotions and social cues could lead to impaired interpersonal relationships, social withdrawal, and the inability to maintain productive community involvement.
The Broader Implications for Health and Society: As cannabis products become more potent and accessible, the societal risks increase. Heavy and frequent cannabis use has already been related to higher rates of motor vehicle crashes, cardiovascular complications, and a rise in cannabis use disorder. The misconceptions surrounding the safety of cannabis are not only inaccurate but potentially harmful, leaving individuals vulnerable to long-lasting consequences.
This research underscores the fact that the negative outcomes of cannabis are neither short-term nor fleeting. Its impact on critical brain regions can persist over years, deeply affecting individuals and imposing broader public health burdens.
Final Thoughts: The evidence leaves no doubt – cannabis use poses serious risks to brain health and cognitive functioning. Heavy lifetime use significantly diminishes mental clarity, logical reasoning, and social comprehension, while recent use further exacerbates these effects. Despite efforts to normalise cannabis use, studies reveal a stark reality that must not be ignored. Educating communities on these risks is essential to addressing the growing prevalence of cannabis use and its damaging consequences.
Source: JAMA Network