BREAKING: Researchers at the University of Bath in the UK have just announced **new guidelines** aimed at establishing safer limits for cannabis consumption, similar to alcohol units. In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Addiction, experts propose that adults should not exceed **8 THC units** per week to mitigate the risk of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD).
This urgent development comes as cannabis use continues to rise globally, highlighting the need for clear consumption metrics. The proposed threshold equates to approximately **40 mg of THC** or about one-third of a gram of herbal cannabis. Researchers emphasize that exceeding this limit significantly increases the risk of CUD, which affects an estimated **22%** of regular cannabis users.
Dr. Rachel Lees Thorne, leading the research, stated, “The aim 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 want to help them lower their risk of harm.” The study draws on data from the CannTeen study, which tracked **150 cannabis users** over a year. It found that **80%** of participants consuming below the recommended limit did not suffer from CUD, while **70%** of those exceeding the limit exhibited symptoms of the disorder.
The implications of these findings are critical. As cannabis becomes increasingly legalized worldwide, the researchers are calling for public health initiatives to adopt these THC unit guidelines for better consumer awareness. Professor Tom Freeman noted the lack of information available to cannabis consumers about the health impacts of varying consumption levels, stating, “Safer use thresholds based on standard THC units could help people better understand their level of use.”
The proposed guidelines are already attracting attention in countries like Canada, where legal cannabis markets are expanding. There is ongoing momentum to include THC unit information on product labels, akin to alcohol labeling. Dr. Robert Gabrys from the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction highlighted the importance of effective product labeling, saying, “This research from Bath is crucial for helping consumers interpret product information and understand potential health effects.”
As the global interest in cannabis safety grows, the Bath research team plans to explore these thresholds across larger international samples and develop tracking tools for consumers. The urgency for clear guidelines is clear as countries with legal cannabis markets seek to protect public health.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as researchers continue to refine their recommendations and expand their studies. The establishment of safe cannabis limits could transform how consumers approach cannabis use, prioritizing health and safety in a rapidly evolving landscape.
