Emergency rooms across Canada are seeing a significant increase in visits from marijuana users suffering from repeated, severe vomiting—a condition called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). According to a recent study, cases of CHS have grown thirteenfold over an eight-year period, making up over 8,000 of nearly 13,000 marijuana-related ER visits during that time.
Experts believe the spike is largely due to rising levels of THC, the compound in marijuana responsible for the high. They are urging for tighter regulations, clearer labeling, and more scientific research.
THC is just one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in marijuana, with delta-9-THC being the most recognized and studied. Canada currently restricts delta-9-THC in edibles to 10mg per piece and 1,000mg per package for topicals and extracts. However, dried marijuana doesn’t have a cap, though producers must list THC content on the label.
Other variants like delta-8-THC aren’t held to the same standards. Some manufacturers use these less-regulated compounds to boost potency while skirting delta-9 limits. Health Canada warned against this in 2023, although the guidance carries no legal weight.
THC levels in today’s cannabis are much higher than in previous decades. While products in the 1960s had around 4% THC, many now average 25%, with some reaching up to 90%. This rise in potency is linked to a range of health problems, especially in younger users whose brains are still developing. High THC exposure in adolescents may interfere with brain development and increase the risk of long-term mental health issues.
Meanwhile, the huge variety of marijuana products available makes it harder for users to gauge how much they’re consuming, especially with high-potency options dominating the market.
Ruth Ross, a University of Toronto professor, believes a standardized THC unit would help. For example, if one unit equaled one milligram, consumers could more easily understand their intake. She also stresses the need for more research reflecting the potency of today’s cannabis.
Quebec is currently the only Canadian province with strict THC caps and strict marketing controls. The province bans products that look like candy and operates a government-run retail system focused on safety and education. All profits are reinvested in research and prevention.
Ontario researchers are now studying whether Quebec’s policies are reducing cannabis-related harms. Dr. Daniel Myran, a physician and researcher at the University of Ottawa, supports adopting similar national limits on THC, along with better labeling and pricing structures that discourage ultra-potent products.
Leading marijuana firms like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) could provide valuable input when the country decides to receive feedback on how best to address the possible harms arising from the increasingly potent marijuana products available in the country.
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