CONSUME RESPONSIBLY: THE THC SCAM - The Fake Numbers Deceiving Cannabis Patients in PR

Medical cannabis has revolutionized the healthcare system in Puerto Rico, promising relief for countless patients suffering from a wide range of illnesses. However, controversy is brewing over the island's cannabis industry: a growing number of patients are questioning laboratory tests showing elevated levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, in their cannabis flowers, which don't align with their terpene and moisture content.

We interviewed several growers from Puerto Rico, California, New York, and Las Vegas, all of whom agreed that these practices have also been observed in their states: “When the industry understands, educates itself, and can interpret the results, they will understand the seriousness of altering meaningless percentages with numbers that are not physically possible for the plant to produce. We will see cases in court and losses of renowned brands, if that is the case,” commented Papa & Momma OG, Master Growers in California with over 10 years of experience.

This practice is not only creating a false perception of the product's potency, but it is also leaving patients vulnerable. “Tampered labs”; “They’re playing with the numbers”; “Reporting THC percentages in cannabis flowers that far exceed natural levels”; these are just some of the comments we received while conducting this investigation, reflecting the concerns of many patients and budtenders on the island.

Lured by the promise of increased potency, patients seek out these high-THC products, unaware that they are being deceived. Consumers rely on these lab results to make informed decisions about their health, but instead, they appear to be misled by inflated figures.

Despite growing complaints and evidence of these practices, they continue. “A thorough and transparent investigation is needed to put an end to this fraud and ensure that patients receive accurate and reliable information. The Department of Health must do something,” commented a medical cannabis patient from Puerto Rico who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation from their superiors.

Furthermore, the lack of cannabis education in Puerto Rico is exacerbating this problem. Many consumers have a limited understanding of cannabis and its components, and are therefore easily misled by claims of high THC. It is crucial that efforts be made to educate patients about cannabis, including the importance of accurate laboratory results and the dangers of practices that may appear fraudulent.

THC is often the main draw for patients and recreational cannabis users. It's known for providing the 'high' associated with cannabis and also has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic properties. However, THC is just one of the many active chemicals found in cannabis. Other compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes, also have medicinal properties and are the real reason for the aromas, flavors, and effects. Furthermore, the way these compounds interact with each other can influence the effects of cannabis as a whole—an idea known as the "entourage effect."

Although patients may seek out cannabis flowers with high THC levels, the reality is that high THC doesn't always equate to greater efficacy. In some cases, excessively high THC levels can even be harmful, causing undesirable side effects such as anxiety and paranoia. Therefore, the obsession with high THC in the cannabis industry can be misleading and potentially damaging.

The cannabis industry has the potential to offer relief and hope to thousands of patients in Puerto Rico. But for that to happen, it is essential that the industry be based on transparency, integrity, and a commitment to the health and well-being of patients. It is time to intervene and put an end to these practices, and it is time to make efforts to educate consumers about the true value and potential of medical cannabis.

The fight for truth in Puerto Rico's cannabis industry is intense. But with the dedication and commitment of everyone involved—from health officials to consumers—we can put an end to this and ensure that patients have access to safe, effective, and authentic cannabis products.

**An Urgent Call to Action**

Amid this growing controversy, the voices of patients and cannabis industry advocates are resonating throughout Puerto Rico. They are calling for immediate action to investigate and regulate adulterated labs. They are also calling for greater education and awareness about cannabis so that patients can make informed decisions about their treatment.

“Cannabis consumers in Puerto Rico deserve transparency and accuracy in laboratory results. They deserve to know exactly what they are getting when they choose a cannabis product. And they deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve as patients, not to be taken advantage of and sold a bill of goods,” says a patient and business owner.

The cannabis industry in Puerto Rico is at a crossroads. It can choose to follow the path of transparency, integrity, and respect for patients, or it can continue with the deceptive and fraudulent practices that have tarnished its reputation. The choice is clear. Action must be taken to protect patients and ensure that the cannabis industry in Puerto Rico is fair, transparent, and patient-centered.

Ultimately, the true value of medicinal cannabis lies not in THC numbers, but in its ability to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for patients, and that is something that no number can fake.

Mr. Sens

@mrsenspr