🌿 Cannabis in British Columbia — Part 2: Shatter, Concentrates & the Rise of Potency
The cannabis of our childhood — weak, easygoing, homegrown — is nothing like today’s concentrates. Shatter, wax, and live resin are highly potent, with THC levels 5–10x stronger than flower we knew in the ’80s and ’90s.
⚡ What Are Concentrates?
- 💎 Shatter & Wax – Highly purified THC extracts. Crystal-clear or sticky, potent, vaporized or dabbed.
- 🧴 Oils & Tinctures – Liquid forms, often with measured dosing for medical or functional use.
- 🍬 Edibles & Drinks – Delayed onset, longer duration; require careful dosing.
These products can intensify effects dramatically. Used irresponsibly, especially by teens and young adults, they can increase the risk of anxiety, panic, or psychosis.
🌱 A Lesson from Aromatherapy
Think of concentrates like essential oils:
- 💜 Lavender Nest Oil – Small, concentrated, highly effective when used correctly. One drop can calm or heal, but too much or the wrong application can cause problems.
- ⚠️ Same with Shatter – A tiny amount goes a long way. It’s medicine, not candy.
- 📚 Education Gap – Unlike aromatherapy, cannabis is stigmatized. People see it on store shelves but may not understand how potent it truly is or how to use it responsibly.
🛡️ Harm Reduction Tips
- Start low, go slow – Even a micro-dose can be strong.
- Know your source – Licensed producers provide tested THC/CBD ratios.
- Respect potency – Treat concentrates like pure medicine.
- Avoid combinations – Alcohol and high-THC concentrates can magnify risks.
- Safe spaces – Smoking bans mean responsible environments are limited; plan accordingly.
📣 Why This Matters
- Modern high-THC products are far more powerful than what previous generations used.
- Young people exposed early may face mental-health challenges that didn’t exist in the era of weak cannabis.
- Education, respect, and safe use are the most important tools we have to prevent harm.
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