253. Dr. Tom Freeman - The Standard THC Unit253. Dr. Tom Freeman - The Standard THC Unit
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
We have standards unit amounts for tobacco and alcohol, what for THC and marijuana? Is it time. Dr. Tom Freeman is a Reader in Addiction Psychology at the University of Bath, UK. He directs the Addiction and Mental Health Group, an interdisciplinary group bridging Psychology, Life Sciences, Health, Management, and the Institute for Policy Research. He is currently funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. He also leads the Substance Use and Addiction work package of the NIHR Bath Mental Health Research Group, and is deputy lead of the Drugs theme of the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Addictions. His research has generated impacts with the National Institutes of Health, the European Union Drugs Agency, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Dr. Freeman is internationally known for his research on cannabis and cannabinoids. In this podcast he will discuss his work developing new approaches to help people experiencing problems with cannabis use. These include trials for the treatment of cannabis use disorder, and novel strategies for reducing harms such as the standard THC unit. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of the United States Government or any of its agencies. The content was recorded prior to the speaker's current federal service and is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. No agency endorsement or approval should be inferred.
41:07•20 Nov 2025
Understanding Cannabis: The Quest for Standard THC Units
Episode Overview
- Standardising THC units could help regulate cannabis use.
- Cannabidiol shows promise as a treatment for cannabis use disorder.
- Synthetic cannabinoids pose significant risks, especially in vapes.
- Media coverage influences public perception and stigma around drugs.
- Harm reduction strategies must balance safety with personal choice.
“"If we can't understand how much THC people are consuming, then we're really shooting in the dark."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? In this engaging episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev chats with Dr. Tom Freeman, a leading figure in addiction psychology from the University of Bath. They explore the intriguing concept of a 'standard THC unit,' akin to the standard drink measurements for alcohol, aiming to better regulate cannabis consumption. Dr.
Freeman discusses the challenges of determining THC content across various cannabis products, highlighting the importance of standardisation in understanding and reducing cannabis-related harms. Dr. Freeman also shares insights into the prevalence of cannabis use disorder in Europe and his groundbreaking research on using cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential treatment. The conversation touches on the risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids and the importance of harm reduction strategies.
With light humour and authentic anecdotes, this episode provides a fresh perspective on drug policy and public health. You'll leave pondering whether standardised THC units could be the key to safer cannabis use. So, what drives someone to seek a life without alcohol or drugs? How can we balance harm reduction with effective treatment? Dive into this episode to find out.
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