BREAKING: New research from the University of Bath proposes urgent thresholds for safer cannabis use, aiming to help users monitor their consumption similarly to alcohol units. This pivotal study, published in the journal Addiction, emphasizes the need for standardized THC units to guide responsible use.
The researchers recommend that adults should not exceed 8 THC units per week, translating to roughly 40 mg of THC or one-third of a gram of herbal cannabis. Crossing this threshold significantly increases the risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), which affects an estimated 22% of regular users. The study highlights that 80% of participants using below this limit reported no CUD, while 70% of those exceeding it did.
Dr. Rachel Lees Thorne, lead researcher, states, “The ultimate goal of our new guidelines is to reduce harm. For those who don’t want to stop or are unable to, we still want to make it easier for them to lower their risk of harm.” This urgent call for action is critical as cannabis use continues to rise globally.
The study draws upon data from the CannTeen study, which tracked 150 users over a year, revealing that the risk of more severe CUD rises sharply above 13 THC units per week. This study marks a significant step in public health communications, aiming to provide realistic, evidence-based advice for cannabis users.
Professor Tom Freeman adds, “Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Despite this, there is no information for consumers about how different levels of consumption might affect them.” The proposed guidelines could enable public health bodies to effectively communicate risks and track consumption reductions, especially as cannabis legalization expands.
Interest in these findings is already resonating internationally, particularly in Canada, where legal markets are considering incorporating THC unit information on product labels, akin to alcohol labeling in the UK. Dr. Robert Gabrys from the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction states that the need for clear product information is paramount as cannabis products proliferate.
The urgency for these guidelines cannot be overstated as they provide a framework for users to make informed choices. As cannabis becomes increasingly available, this research aims to mitigate potential health risks and promote safer consumption practices.
Moving forward, the research team at the University of Bath plans to expand their study to assess safer cannabis thresholds across larger international samples. They are also developing tools to help users track their THC consumption in various contexts.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as researchers work to promote responsible cannabis use globally.
