Imagine a 70s hippie, sitting peacefully in the field after a Jimi Hendrix concert at Woodstock, suddenly confronted with a small sachet of Gorilla Glue. "Wait, man... is this stuff for gluing furniture back together or what?" Yes, cannabis has come a long way since the days of elephant's feet and pearl necklaces.
Today, modern varieties are often described as "overpowered", to the point where some people wonder whether they are still made for relaxation or for an expedition into interstellar space. But is this true? Is today's cannabis really stronger than that of 50 years ago, or is it just an urban legend? Let's take a look at anecdotes, figures and a hint of nostalgia.
1. The 70s: A joint, a peace sign and off you go
Ah, the 70s... a time when everything seemed simpler, including cannabis. Joints rolled from hand to hand at festivals, often accompanied by acoustic guitars and dreams of world peace.
Back then, most of the strains available came straight from the fields of Latin America or Southeast Asia. No indoor cultivation or sophisticated hybrids. These plants, naturally rich in CBD, contained an average of 2-5% THC. In comparison, it's a bit like going from a glass of wine to a shot of pure tequila.
Anecdote: The old-fashioned joint
Some joints from the '70s weren't even joints. One myth has it that a group of novices accidentally rolled coriander instead of cannabis, convinced that "anything that looks like weed must get you high". Spoiler: it doesn't work.
2. Today: Cannabis on steroids?
Modern cannabis is a different story. With advances in genetics and cultivation techniques, growers have pushed the limits. Today, some strains like Girl Scout Cookies or Gelato reach THC levels of 25-30%. In other words, one joint today is sometimes the equivalent of several joints in the past.
Why this power?
Indoor cultivation: precise control of light, humidity and nutrients.
Genetic hybrids: carefully selected crosses to maximize THC concentration.
Concentrates and extracts: modern cannabis is no longer limited to flowers. Concentrates (wax, shatter) sometimes reach 80% THC.
For a novice, this can quickly become an unforgettable (or totally forgotten, depending on the quantity consumed) experience.
3. What the experts say: Between science and sensations
The figures speak for themselves: according to several studies, the average THC level in cannabis sold today is around three times higher than it was 50 years ago. But there's more to potency than THC.
The entourage effect
In addition to THC, cannabis contains terpenes and other cannabinoids (such as CBD) which modulate its effects. Older varieties, with their natural balance, often offered a milder, less anxiety-provoking experience. Today, the quest for maximum THC has sometimes sacrificed this balance.
4. Urban legends: true or false?
"Cannabis in the '70s was garden weed."
Wrong... but not totally. Most plants were grown outdoors, resulting in naturally lower THC levels.
"Hippies smoked anything."
Not quite! Although the cannabis of the time was less potent, enthusiasts knew how to appreciate its subtleties.
5. A critical look: power doesn't always mean pleasure
Modern cannabis is undeniably more potent, but that doesn't mean it's "better". For many consumers, over-potency can be synonymous with overly intense effects: anxiety, paranoia, even bad trips.
New trends
Back to CBD-rich strains, for a more balanced experience.
Rise of microdoses: consume less to get the most out of the effects.
Conclusion: An era, a style
Cannabis has evolved, as have our tastes, habits and expectations. But this evolution is neither entirely positive, nor entirely negative. The cannabis of the 70s had its charm, just as modern strains have their complexity.
So, which do you prefer? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between, in this search for a balance that transcends the ages. And remember: whatever the decade, it's always a question of leaves.