Swift Summary:
- Emerging trend in cannabis consumption: Americans are increasingly favoring high-potency cannabis concentrates over customary smokable marijuana.
- Cannabis extracts production: California company Raw Garden produces concentrates like live resin, sauce, wax, and diamonds wiht potency levels averaging between 70%-85% THC.
- Industrial methods employed: Efficient hydrocarbon extraction processes isolate desired compounds (THC, terpenes) while eliminating plant matter. Cold storage and cryogenic freezing preserve key compounds.
- Growth of concentrate market share: Recreational flower sales have dropped from 70% to 40%, while vaping and dabbing products now represent 32%.
- medical uses noted: Concentrates allow for precise dosage regulation; particularly helpful for chronic pain or chemotherapy patients requiring larger amounts of THC without smoking.
- Safety concerns raised: Studies link high-potency concentrates to psychosis risk and cannabis dependence, especially in teenagers. Some U.S. states considered regulating THC potency but faced industry resistance.
!Cannabis products
Indian Opinion Analysis:
The rise of refined cannabis concentrates signals a transformation akin to pharmaceutical advancements but raises safety concerns due to the growing potency of these products. For India-where cannabis usage is deeply rooted culturally yet regulated tightly under the NDPS Act-this evolution coudl spark dialog regarding medicinal applications versus recreational risks.Global trajectories show potential opportunities for research into cannabinoids beyond THC/CBD, which could drive innovation in India’s medical sector if regulatory frameworks adapt. However, India must also weigh public health repercussions based on evidence linking extreme potencies to psychological disorders.For societies steeped in tradition like India’s, balancing industrial-scale production with socio-cultural rules might be challenging if legalization gains traction globally. Observing technological developments abroad may help India assess its policies pragmatically when navigating opportunities versus consequences tied to concentrated marijuana forms.read More