A groundbreaking study led by researchers from the University of Bath in the UK has proposed a standard unit for measuring cannabis potency. This initiative mirrors the concept of standard drinks used for alcohol consumption and aims to assist individuals in managing their cannabis intake while identifying those at risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD).
The announcement comes as more countries are legalizing cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use. Implementing such standard measures could significantly influence public health strategies focused on harm reduction. “As cannabis becomes increasingly available in legal markets around the world, it is more important than ever to help consumers make informed choices about their use,” stated Tom Freeman, Director of the Addiction and Mental Health Group at the University of Bath.
Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis use disorder can manifest as dependence, poor mental health, tolerance, risky behaviors, impaired brain function, and difficulties in maintaining relationships and finances. While some users partake occasionally, others may develop CUD, a condition that has been challenging to quantify due to the historical illegality and unregulated production of cannabis.
Current assessments often rely on the frequency and quantity of use, which do not account for the potency of cannabis’s active ingredients. According to the researchers, “Cannabis potency (percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) has been increasing for several decades and use of high potency cannabis is associated with an increased risk of negative outcomes, including CUD and adverse mental health.”
The CannTeen Study and THC Units
The study reviewed data from 150 London-based adult and teen cannabis users over 12 months as part of the four-year CannTeen study. The researchers estimated the drug’s potency using standard THC units. Notably, a 0.45 gram joint of strong herbal cannabis might contain 12.78 standard THC units, while a weaker version might contain just 3.78 THC units.
Previous studies have attempted to quantify cannabis use beyond weight and frequency, but this research goes further by suggesting that measuring usage in standard THC units can effectively assess the risk of developing CUD. The study’s authors recommend that adults should not exceed 8 THC units per week to reduce the risk of CUD, noting that 70% of the adults who exceeded this limit in the CannTeen study reported cannabis use disorder.
Implications for Public Health
Lead author Rachel Lees Thorne, a psychology researcher from the University of Bath, explained, “The ultimate goal of our new guidelines is to reduce harm. The only truly safe level of cannabis use is no use. However, 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 could involve opting for lower-THC products or reducing the quantity of cannabis used.
Public health researchers have welcomed these findings, suggesting that a standardized measure of THC consumption could be a valuable tool for empowering patients to moderate their intake and for aiding further research. Psychiatrist Marta Di Forti of King’s College London acknowledges, “Cannabis, unlike alcohol, does not contain only one active ingredient but over 144 cannabinoids. Nevertheless, THC units are, undoubtedly, a very important and much-needed start.”
Looking Ahead
This development represents a significant step forward in the standardization of cannabis consumption measures, potentially paving the way for more informed public health policies and personal consumption choices. As the legal landscape for cannabis continues to evolve, such research could play a crucial role in shaping the future of cannabis use and its societal impacts.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of continued research and dialogue surrounding cannabis use and its regulation, as well as the need for ongoing education for both consumers and healthcare providers. As the conversation around cannabis continues to grow, the introduction of standard THC units could serve as a cornerstone for future initiatives aimed at reducing harm and promoting responsible use.
