The Netherlands Drug Situation 2010 - Trimbos-instituut

nabidiol (CBD) – in contributing to the (health) effects of cannabis. More specifically,cannabidiol seems to counteract some of the effects of THC that are implicated in, amongothers, psychosis and dependence (e.g. Morgan et al., 2010; Bhattacharyya et al.,2010). In this regard, especially the ratio between THC and CBD – rather than absoluteTHC content - seems to count.Dutch weed contains relatively high concentrations of THC and very low levels of CBD(18% versus 0.2%, respectively). For imported marihuana this balance is slightly better(7.5% versus 0.2%), but levels of CBD are also low. Imported hashish contains highestlevels of CBD (6.0%), which might to some extent counteract adverse (but possibly alsowanted) effects of THC. Whether these differences translate in different health risks thatare relevant at population level remains to be seen.10.3.2 PricesSources on the price of drug samples are DIMS/THC-monitor, surveys in Amsterdam (Antenna)and the two-yearly Trendwatch monitor. It should be noted that prices may varywidely between regions, but a reliable picture on regional differences is not available.Also, prices vary depending on the size and location or source of the purchase (Benschopet al., 2009; Doekhie et al., 2010). Moreover, prices reported here are not corrected forpurity (unless mentioned otherwise).Cannabis According to the THC-monitor, the average retail price of a gram of imported marihuanais consistently lower compared to other cannabis products (table 10.3.3; see alsoStandard Table 16). The retail price of Dutch marihuana increased between 2006 and 2009 and stabilisedin 2010. Price increases were strongest for the Dutch weed sold as most potent type. Taking data for the most potent and popular types of Dutch weed together, a significantcorrelation is found between price and THC concentration (r=0,55, p