In an era of “designer strains” and laboratory-enhanced cannabis, we’ve witnessed THC levels skyrocket to unprecedented heights.
But as I discovered during my travels through Jamaica, there’s something profound about the traditional, less potent cannabis varieties that have served communities for centuries.
This reflection explores how our modern obsession with potency might be causing us to miss the true essence and purpose of this ancient plant ally.
The Potency Pursuit: Modern Cannabis Culture
I came across the “traditional, old school” Cannabis plant on my travels, as they existed a hundred years ago.
And once I got used to smoking that “soft” version of Cannabis, which didn’t have much effect, I realized all of a sudden what the “Problem” with Cannabis is these days.
Almost every consumer of Cannabis is focused on the potency of the plant.
The more it hits, the better it is.
That alone is for most consumers the criteria they use when they start looking for Cannabis.
And it doesn’t matter if it is an Indica, Sativa, or hybrid.
There are different effects, depending on what you smoke. Each “family” also has weak and strong plants, with different THC and CBD levels.
I do not want to talk about that right now.
Fun Fact: In the 1970s, the average THC content in cannabis was around 1-3%.
Today’s commercial strains regularly test at 18-25%, with some reaching beyond 30% – a tenfold increase in potency.
This dramatic rise has occurred primarily in the last two decades due to selective breeding and advanced growing techniques.
Lost in Translation: The Shifting Purpose of Cannabis
What I want to talk about, though, is that we, as consumers, lost track of what really matters when we smoke Cannabis, besides the medical uses of Cannabis.
We are so focused on the high potency of the plant that the big companies and organizations grow only the plants with the highest potency they can find.
They cross different, very potent plants to create even more potent plants, so they can deliver you the next “big thing.”
To deliver you the product you want and to make a profit, of course.
I think we lost sight of what Cannabis is meant to be used for.
If we would really understand what smoking Cannabis is all about, then we would not demand those laboratory-created, high-potent plants and stick to the traditional amazing way of growing and consuming Cannabis.
Fun Fact: Cannabis has been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices for at least 5,000 years.
Ancient texts from China, India, and Egypt describe cannabis preparations for everything from pain relief to spiritual ceremonies – all using naturally grown, landrace strains with balanced cannabinoid profiles rather than THC-dominant varieties.
The Jamaican Way: Cannabis as Community Medicine
In Jamaica, for example, it is used to create a strong community, a sense of nature, energy, and karma, to live together in harmony, and a word like respect still means something there.
Sure, there is also some criminal activity there, like everywhere on this planet, but that doesn’t change the fact how Cannabis connects people on different levels with each other and nature.
A lot of people smoke Cannabis in Jamaica.
Locals as well as tourists, and I have never seen a single person being too high to walk around, do stuff, or talk because of Cannabis alone.
That is a bit different in the United States, Australia, or Europe.
There, you will see that pretty often, especially if someone is new to Cannabis and doesn’t know too much about it yet.
Fun Fact: In Rastafarian culture, cannabis (called “ganja” or “herb”) is considered a sacred plant.
The ritual smoking of cannabis, known as a “reasoning session,” is used for meditation, spiritual growth, and community bonding.
These sessions often include discussions of life, philosophy, and social issues – emphasizing connection rather than intoxication.
The Potency Problem: When More Isn’t Better
These days we have extremely potent Cannabis with a THC percentage up to 30% and more!
While it is nice to have those kinds of strains, it is not the old way of smoking Cannabis anymore and also not really necessary.
That doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be completely legalized, though!
My first days in Jamaica, for example, I was so excited to try the “Real Jamaican Weed,” until I tried it a couple of times.
I decided pretty soon that this was not the “stuff” I was expecting from Jamaica.
A bit disappointed because of the little “effect” I felt, I kept on smoking the Jamaican Cannabis.
After a while, I started to think that this kind of “high” is actually quite nice!
I could smoke as much as I wanted to, I was pretty active, had a fresh uplifting feeling, and I had not a worry in the world.
I could really relax and enjoy my time talking to the locals about their beliefs and their idea of smoking Cannabis.
Fun Fact: Research from the University College London suggests that high-THC cannabis with little CBD may actually increase anxiety and psychosis-like effects in some users, while balanced strains with moderate THC and significant CBD content tend to produce more relaxing, clear headed effects.
This supports the traditional Jamaican approach to cannabis cultivation.
Traditional Wisdom: The Jamaican Cannabis Philosophy
It is really hard to explain, but I understand now why the locals of Jamaica are so proud of their Cannabis!
They always mention how their Cannabis is the best and most traditional on this planet; they didn’t change the structure of their Cannabis at all.
It is the same as hundreds of years ago.
And I can 100% agree!
Yes, that kind of Cannabis you need to get used to, but once you understand what it is all about, I guarantee you, you will not want anything else.
There is just no need to.
I never understood why we, as human beings, always feel the need to improve things, even when they don’t need improvement.
If there is Cannabis, for example, given to us by Mother Nature for a reason, why do we have to make it even stronger, all the way up to a ridiculously strong high?
Can we not just be happy for the gift Mother Nature gave us?
Fun Fact: Jamaica is home to several landrace cannabis strains that have evolved naturally over centuries to suit the local climate and soil conditions.
These strains typically have a balanced THC:CBD ratio of around 5-10% THC and 2-5% CBD, creating what locals call a “clear high” that enhances creativity and social connection without overwhelming the user.
Finding Balance in the Cannabis Experience
The traditional approach to cannabis isn’t about maximizing intoxication—it’s about finding harmony with the plant and using it as a tool for connection, creativity, and gentle healing.
As I’ve experienced in my travels, many indigenous cultures understand plant medicines not as recreational substances but as teachers and allies.
Perhaps the solution isn’t to abandon modern cannabis entirely, but to create space for both approaches:
high-potency options for those with medical needs requiring strong effects, and traditional, balanced varieties for those seeking the communal, spiritual benefits that cannabis has offered humanity for millennia.
What do you think about that “Problem”?
Do you see it as one?
Or is it just a crazy guy talking?
I’d love to hear your perspective on this topic.
Connect with me on Social Media where I share more insights about traditional plant medicines and their cultural contexts.
Thank you very much for reading my post!
Peace,
Ralph.
