Cannabis & Substance Education

Cannabis today is much stronger than it used to be. On average, products contain five times more THC than a decade ago, and some concentrates can reach up to 90 percent THC. That higher potency means stronger, faster effects — and greater risk for negative outcomes.

While many people believe cannabis isn’t addictive, research shows otherwise. Nearly one in three people who use cannabis develop some level of cannabis use disorder. The risk increases when use begins at a younger age, happens frequently, involves large amounts, or includes high-potency products.

High THC levels can contribute to both short-term and long-term challenges. Students often report effects that interfere with academics, relationships, and daily responsibilities, including:

• Changes to sleep patterns and persistent fatigue
• Heightened anxiety or panic, sometimes tied to social situations
• Episodes of depression or, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating or staying motivated
• Slower reaction time and reduced coordination
• Impaired problem-solving and decision-making

Recognizing these impacts early — and understanding how potency affects your body and mind — can help you make informed choices and reach out for support when needed.

Frequent cannabis use — especially daily use — is linked to higher risks for serious mental health concerns. The likelihood of developing issues such as depression, psychosis, or anxiety increases with both the potency of the product and how often it’s used.

Research also connects cannabis use to greater rates of social anxiety disorder, suggesting that regular use can amplify the very stress it’s sometimes used to relieve.

When used in large amounts or high doses — particularly through edibles — cannabis can cause:

• Paranoia or acute panic attacks
• Short-term psychotic episodes
• Disorientation and confusion

Beyond mental health, cannabis affects how the brain learns and remembers. Regular use can interfere with concentration, attention, and motivation — skills essential for academic success. Studies show that students who use cannabis frequently are more likely to skip class and often report lower GPAs than peers who don’t use it.

You may have seen products labeled Delta-8 or Delta-10 marketed as legal or “safer” alternatives to cannabis. It’s important to understand what these are and how they’re regulated.

• Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are chemical compounds found naturally in cannabis in only very small amounts.
• To create larger quantities for commercial sale, manufacturers often chemically convert CBD (a hemp-derived compound) into Delta-8 or Delta-10. This process can produce harmful by-products when not carefully controlled.
• Despite how they’re marketed, these compounds are classified as illegal controlled substances under both federal and Pennsylvania law.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Delta-8, Delta-10, or CBD products for safe human use, and none are evaluated for purity or dosage.

Because of these uncertainties and legal restrictions, using Delta-8 or Delta-10 products carries health, safety, and conduct risks comparable to—or greater than—those associated with other cannabis products.