Is there a 'safer' way to enjoy cannabis? Experts are suggesting new consumption limits.
As more individuals across Europe are turning to cannabis, researchers from the United Kingdom have put forth their recommendations for a weekly limit on cannabis usage. This approach mirrors the existing guidelines for alcohol consumption and aims to foster safer practices among users.
This study, conducted by the University of Bath and published in the journal Addiction, focuses on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels—the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis—taking into account both the strength of the substance and the quantity consumed.
"Our primary aim with these new guidelines is to minimize harm. The only truly risk-free level of cannabis use is complete abstinence," stated Rachel Lees Thorne, the lead researcher from the Department of Psychology at Bath.
However, she also emphasized that for those who wish to continue using cannabis or feel unable to stop, it’s crucial to provide them with strategies to mitigate potential risks.
The researchers recommend that adults should limit their THC intake to no more than eight units per week, which is approximately 40 mg of THC or around one-third of a gram of herbal cannabis. These guidelines suggest that consumers focus on THC units rather than just the frequency of use, with each THC unit representing five milligrams.
"Setting safer use thresholds based on standardized THC units can empower individuals to better understand their consumption levels and make informed decisions regarding their health," explained Tom Freeman, a senior researcher involved in the study.
He noted that health organizations and medical professionals could leverage these thresholds to share information about risks and monitor decreases in consumption.
To develop these limits, the research team analyzed data from separate studies conducted at University College London, particularly the CannTeen study. This research tracked 150 cannabis users over a year to evaluate their weekly THC intake and the prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD).
CUD is characterized by significant distress or issues in daily life due to cannabis use and is estimated to affect about 22% of regular users, leading to cravings and addiction.
The Bath research team discovered that the risk of developing CUD escalates for adults who exceed eight THC units per week, with severe cases rising significantly for those above 13 THC units.
Cannabis consumption has the potential to induce or exacerbate various physical and mental health conditions, such as chronic respiratory issues, dependency on cannabis, and psychotic symptoms. The risks become even more pronounced with early initiation, high-potency products, and patterns of frequent or long-term use.
"As cannabis becomes more widely accessible in legal markets globally, it is increasingly vital to assist consumers in making well-informed choices about their use," Freeman remarked.
Cannabis holds the title of the most commonly used illicit drug in Europe. National surveys indicate that approximately 8.4% of European adults—about 24 million people aged between 15 and 64—have tried cannabis in the past year, according to the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
The agency also estimates that roughly 4.3 million Europeans consume cannabis daily or nearly every day.
Current cannabis regulations across Europe impose strict controls, with commercial recreational sales largely prohibited. Nevertheless, some nations have decriminalized personal use or are introducing partial legislation—most countries in Europe permit medical use under varying conditions.
In 2021, Malta became the first country in the European Union to legalize adult-use cannabis, allowing possession of small amounts, home cultivation, and non-profit cannabis associations for distribution. Luxembourg followed suit, permitting limited home growing and private use, while Germany allows restricted home cultivation, possession, and use of small quantities, along with non-profit cannabis cultivation clubs.
Countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland are either conducting or preparing pilot programs for sales in regulated environments, offering controlled products such as cannabis flowers, resin, oils, and edibles.
