Just say know how do cannabinoid concentrations influence users estimates of cannabis potency and the amount they roll in joints
(1) To determine whether measured concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in individuals own cannabis predict their estimates of drug potency and actual titration and (2) to ascertain if these effects are influenced by frequency of use and cannabis type. Cross-sectional, naturalistic. Participants own homes. A total of 247 cannabis users in the United Kingdom 152 recreational (1-24 daysmonth) and 95 daily (≥25 daysmonth). Participants rated their own cannabis for its potency (1-10) and type (resin, herbal, skunk) before smoking it in front of the researcher. The amount of cannabis (g) used in their joints was recorded and an additional sample was analysed for THC and CBD concentrations (%). THC concentrations were related negatively to the amount of cannabis used unstandardized regression coefficient b -0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.017, -0.002. Potency estimates were predicted by increasing THC (b 0.055, 95% CI 0.020, 0.090) and decreasing CBD (b -0.160, 95% CI -0.284, -0.062), and both of these associations were mediated by cannabis type (THC b 0.018, 95% CI 0.006, 0.037 CBD b -0.105, 95% CI -0.198, -0.028). Potency estimates were more reflective of THC as frequency of use increased (b 0.004, 95% CI 0.001, 0.007) and were 7.3 times more so in daily (partial r 0.381) than recreational users (r 0.052). When using their own cannabis in a naturalistic setting, people titrate the amount they roll in joints according to concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but not cannabidiol (CBD). Recreational users thus show poor understanding of cannabis potency.