TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2023//
TI  - Trends in illicit cannabis potency based on the analysis of law enforcement seizures in the southern area of Rome
JO  - Toxics (Basel)
A1  - Vernich, Francesca
A1  - Stefani, Lucrezia
A1  - Fiorelli, Denise
A1  - Mineo, Federico
A1  - Pallocci, Margherita
A1  - Treglia, Michele
A1  - Marsella, Luigi Tonino
A1  - Tittarelli, Roberta
SP  - e648
EP  - e648
VL  - 11
IS  - 8
N2  - Cannabis remains the most illicitly produced and consumed substance worldwide, and the average trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in cannabis products (marijuana, hashish) has increased over time. This paper presents data about THC concentration in cannabis resin samples seized by law enforcement from 2015 to 2022 in the southern area of Rome (Italy). From 2015 to 2022, more than 1000 hashish samples were analyzed; the average THC content was 18.0% and dramatically increased from 13.7% (2015) to 27.1% (2022). The potency of THC in some samples characterized by unusual shape and color was higher than 24% and, in a few cases, higher than 40%. The age group most involved in seizures of cannabis resin concerned males aged between 15 and 36 years old. The spread of this phenomenon increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Many observational studies compare the increased cannabis potency with the onset of psychosis, depression, anxiety and cannabis use disorders (CUDs), mainly in young adults. THC-potency monitoring provides data that can be helpful to create a network of communication and interaction between universities, and legislative and public health institutions to support education, awareness and surveillance related to cannabis abuse.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2305-6304
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/toxics11080648
ID  - ref1
ER  -