URGENT UPDATE: Researchers at the University of Bath have just announced new guidelines for safer cannabis use, proposing that adults limit their consumption to 8 THC units per week. This groundbreaking recommendation aims to reduce the risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), which affects an estimated 22% of regular users.
The study, published in the journal Addiction, provides a much-needed framework for cannabis consumers, similar to how alcohol units guide responsible drinking. The researchers have based their findings on THC content—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—rather than weight, establishing that exceeding 8 THC units weekly increases the likelihood of harmful use significantly.
Dr. Rachel Lees Thorne, one of the lead researchers, stated, “The ultimate goal of our new guidelines is to reduce harm. The only truly safe level of cannabis use is no use.” However, for users unable or unwilling to quit, these guidelines are designed to help mitigate risks. For context, 40 mg of THC or approximately one-third of a gram of herbal cannabis is equivalent to 8 THC units.
The research draws from the CannTeen study, which tracked 150 cannabis users over a year, highlighting that 80% of participants consuming below 8 THC units did not report CUD, compared to 70% of those above this threshold who did. Professor Tom Freeman emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “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.”
As cannabis legalization expands globally, the Bath team’s findings are attracting attention, particularly in countries like Canada, where there is a push for clearer product labeling regarding THC content. Dr. Robert Gabrys from the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction remarked that the research supports efforts to help consumers better understand cannabis product dosing.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore safer cannabis thresholds in larger international populations and develop tools to assist users in tracking their THC consumption. The urgency of these guidelines cannot be overstated as cannabis becomes increasingly accessible in legal markets worldwide.
With the landscape of cannabis use evolving, these new recommendations could be pivotal in promoting healthier consumption patterns and reducing the incidence of cannabis-related disorders. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
