Impact of high-potency cannabis rippling through courts, health-care system
CBC
Matthew Fox says he has two words for customers wanting to try Marvin's Premium Candy Co. Cherry edibles.
"Good luck."
Fox works behind the counter at the Realeaf Cannabis trailer on Highway 11, just north of Saskatoon. The business is owned by the Saulteaux First Nation.
Under the federal Cannabis Act, retailers selling edible cannabis gummies in urban centres like Saskatoon and Regina have a limit of 10 mg THC per package. However, this cap is not typically enforced in stores owned and operated by First Nations. On its website, Realeaf says its cannabis stores are an expression of sovereignty.
"Several Indigenous communities have established their own cannabis regulations based on their inherent right to self-governance," it said.
The Realeaf trailer offers a variety of colourfully-packaged edible products in its glass display case: Buddha Boys, Mellow Vibes, 420 Not For Amateurs, Choice Edibles.
Then there are Marvin's cherry-flavoured edibles. Fox says his co-worker calls this the 'talking to God' section of the store. For just under $100, Marvin's edibles pack 8,000 mg of THC into four candies. That's 2,000 mg of THC in each gummy — 200 times stronger than the federal standard.
Fox has worked at the trailer for just over two years. An experienced cannabis consumer, he said he's tried the higher end products.
"The most I've taken was 1,500 milligrams. I was high for three days," he said.
"I didn't want to leave my house, I just stayed home and gamed out. Ate a lot food those three days."
So what happens to the brain when someone ingests that level of THC? Health researchers are actively considering that question.
"Just because something's legal doesn't mean it's safe, " University of Saskatchewan neuroscientist John Howland said.
"I definitely think we need a huge increase in messaging around the dangers of cannabis and the dangers of frequent use, and also high-potency use."
This is not an abstract concern in Saskatchewan.
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