Cannabis consumer responses to the concept of standard THC units
Mark Pawson, Mike Vuolo, Brian C. KellyAbstract
Aims
Within a context of considerable cannabis market expansion and product diversification, cannabis consumers must manage their use across a range of potencies and modes of consumption. This study aimed to provide deeper understandings of how cannabis consumers would perceive the introduction of a standard THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) unit system.
Design
Qualitative study.
Setting
United States, 2023–2024.
Participants
Adult cannabis consumers (n = 50) across criminalized and legalized cannabis states.
Measurements
Within a study focused on the experiences of dosing cannabis among adults in contexts of evolving cannabis markets with product diversification, subjects were provided with a description of a standard THC unit and with the analog of a standard drink. They were then asked about their perceptions of a standard THC unit. Interviewers probed for personal attitudes, practical utility and potential for reducing harm.
Findings
Broadly, cannabis consumers were enthusiastic about the introduction of a standard THC unit system, although a minority expressed some skepticism about how it would be implemented. Standard THC units were viewed as most beneficial for novices and infrequent consumers, although some experienced consumers indicated it would be valuable for tolerance management and avoiding dependence. It was also seen as valuable for avoiding risks related to driving under the influence and overconsumption.
Conclusions
Standard metrics for cannabis consumption may be received with enthusiasm from cannabis consumers. Experienced consumers indicated they would have benefited from a standard THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) unit when initiating cannabis use and highly recommended it for novices. It was also viewed as an opportunity to manage risks. Successful implementation would require managing misunderstandings about the concept of a standard THC unit as well as how regular, experienced consumers would incorporate such a metric into established consumption routines.