A recent investigation spearheaded by academics at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom proposes the establishment of a standardized metric for quantifying cannabis potency. This framework, analogous to the established system for measuring alcohol consumption through standard drinks, could empower individuals to better regulate their usage and help identify those susceptible to developing cannabis use disorder.
With a growing number of jurisdictions enacting legislation to permit both medicinal and recreational cannabis access, such standardized measurements are poised to inform public health initiatives aimed at mitigating potential harms.
Senior author Tom Freeman, who directs the Addiction and Mental Health Group at the University of Bath, states, “As cannabis becomes increasingly accessible in legal markets globally, it is paramount that we assist consumers in making well-informed decisions regarding their consumption patterns.”
While some individuals sparingly partake in cannabis, others may develop a dependency known as cannabis use disorder (CUD). This condition can manifest as psychological reliance, compromised mental well-being, diminished sensitivity to the substance, engagement in risky behaviors, cognitive impairment, and difficulties in maintaining personal relationships and financial stability.
Currently, accurately assessing cannabis consumption presents a challenge for both users and healthcare professionals, largely due to its protracted period of illegality and the consequent lack of regulated production across most of the world.
Although the frequency and volume of cannabis use are known indicators for the risk of developing cannabis disorder, these metrics do not account for the concentration of the primary psychoactive compounds.
The researchers detail in their published findings that “cannabis potency, specifically the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has seen a continuous escalation over recent decades. The consumption of high-potency cannabis is demonstrably linked to an elevated risk of adverse outcomes, including CUD and negative mental health effects.”
By analyzing data from 150 adult and adolescent cannabis consumers in London, collected over a 12-month span as part of the comprehensive four-year CannTeen study, the research team was able to estimate the drug’s potency in terms of standard THC units.
As anticipated, variations in potency are significant. For instance, a 0.45-gram joint of potent herbal cannabis could contain approximately 12.78 standard THC units, whereas a less potent variety with seeds might yield only 3.78 THC units, according to the newly developed estimations.
Prior research has explored similar methodologies to quantify cannabis consumption beyond simple weight or duration metrics. This latest study advances that work by extending the team’s prior analysis, revealing that quantifying usage via standard THC units offers an effective means of assessing an individual’s susceptibility to developing cannabis use disorder.
The study’s proponents determined that to mitigate the risk of developing cannabis use disorder, adults should refrain from exceeding 8 THC units per week. Notably, 70% of the adult participants in the CannTeen study who surpassed this weekly threshold reported experiencing cannabis use disorder.
Lead author Rachel Lees Thorne, a psychology researcher at the University of Bath, elucidates, “Our primary objective with these new guidelines is to foster a reduction in harm.”
“While the safest consumption level for cannabis remains zero, we aim to provide practical strategies for those who are unwilling or unable to cease using. This might involve choosing products with lower THC content or decreasing the overall quantity consumed,” she further explained.
Public health experts have expressed support for these findings, suggesting that a standardized approach to measuring THC intake could serve as a valuable instrument, empowering patients to self-regulate their consumption and facilitating further academic inquiry.
Psychiatrist Marta Di Forti from King’s College London points out, however, that “unlike alcohol, cannabis is composed of more than one active compound, with over 144 identified cannabinoids.”
She affirms that “nevertheless, THC units represent a fundamentally important and much-needed initial step forward.”
