A University of Bath research team published recommended thresholds for safer cannabis use in the journal Addiction. They hope that the findings can reduce the risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD).
The researchers analyzed data from the CannTeen study, which tracked 150 individuals who used cannabis to assess the severity of CUD and estimate the participants’ weekly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) unit intake over a year. 65 participants were aged 26–29, and 85 participants were aged 16–17. The participants were mostly female and white. All participants reported at least one session of cannabis use during the 12-month study period.
The threshold recommendations are based on a system for measuring cannabis consumption by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency. The findings suggested that adults should not exceed 8 THC units per week. This amount is roughly 40 mg of THC or 1/3 gram of cannabis flower.
Individuals above these thresholds are at a greater risk of developing CUD. Study author Dr. Rachel Lees Thorne 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.” Awareness of these thresholds can help people opt to use lower-THC products and/or decrease the quantity of cannabis consumed.
Analysis of the CannTeen sample demonstrated that 80% of people who used below 8 THC units did not have CUD. In contrast, 70% who used above this amount reported CUD.
Although cannabis is one of the most widely used substances globally, there is a lack of guidelines for consumers to monitor their cannabis consumption. The researchers believe that safer use thresholds could help people better understand how consumption patterns and dose amounts affect their health.
Sources: Addiction, Eureka News Alert