High-THC Cannabis

Defining Cannabis: The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) uses the term cannabis rather than dope, ganja, grass, marijuana, hash, herb, pot, reef, or weed. In 2022, the Washington State Legislature replaced marijuana with cannabis in light of the discriminatory history of the term "marijuana.” Learn more about the difference between cannabis and marijuana.

About cannabis and High-THC products

Cannabis is the plant's dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. The plant has many different chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has intoxicating effects. These effects can include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Feelings of hunger
  • A slowed reaction time
  • Feelings of relaxation
  • Short-term memory issues

Some research institutions and government agencies, including DOH, define high-THC cannabis as any cannabis product with a THC concentration of 35% or higher. This level is above the THC concentration naturally found within the plant. Using cannabis products with THC higher than 10% concentration greatly increases the risks of negative consequences. (ADAI, 2024)

Using high-THC cannabis products regularly can increase the risk of:

Specific Health effects

High-THC cannabis products can have different effects for everyone. These effects can depend on a person’s mental health, and family health history, as well as how a person uses High-THC.

The risk of physical and mental health effects increases for people who:

People under the age of 25

The brain continues to develop until about age 25. Using cannabis before this age can have a significant impact on the developing brain.  

Some risks of cannabis use for people under age 25 include:

  • Higher risk of psychosis
  • Greater chance of developing cannabis use disorder
  • Possibility of impaired brain development

People who have mental health conditions

People who have mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, and use cannabis may experience an increase in symptoms or effects of that condition.

People who use higher THC products frequently

Most people who use cannabis do not experience addiction, but cannabis use can result in Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Using higher THC products regularly can increase the risk of this mental health condition.

Get Help

If you or someone you care about needs help with substance use, these resources are available at no cost to people in Washington:

  • In a medical emergency, call 911.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, three-digit phone number that connects you to a trained crisis counselor via phone, text, or online chat. Crisis counselors are available 24/7 to support people who are thinking about suicide, concerned about substance use, worried about a loved one, in need of emotional support, and more.
  •  The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) provides immediate, free, and expert treatment in case of exposure to poisonous, hazardous, or toxic substances. Call 911 for medical emergencies from accidental cannabis consumption or bad reactions. For non-urgent matters, contact the Poison Center. If your pet consumes cannabis, contact the Poison Center or your veterinarian immediately. All calls are confidential. Phone: (800) 222-1222
  • The Washington Recovery Help Line is an anonymous 24-hour helpline that provides support for people in Washington who are experiencing substance use concerns, gambling issues, or mental health concerns.
    Phone: 866-789-1511

More Information from Washington State Agencies on Cannabis and Health