A recent article in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has introduced a new method for standardizing cannabis dosing. Drs. Zach Walsh and Michelle St. Pierre have created the Index of Cannabis Equivalence (ICE), aimed at establishing a clear framework for cannabis consumption across various methods.
The Challenge of Cannabis Dosing
Due to the diverse consumption methods of cannabis, determining equivalent dosing amounts has been complex. As Dr. St. Pierre notes, "Different cannabis methods can produce varied psychoactive effects, which makes it difficult to establish comparable doses across products." The ICE tackles this challenge head-on, relying on user-reported experiences to develop standardized equivalencies for low-dose cannabis consumption.
Methodology and Findings
The research conducted by Drs. Walsh and St. Pierre examined data from over 1,300 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 93. The ICE proposes the following equivalencies for low-dose cannabis consumption:
- Two puffs from a joint, pipe, or vaporizer
- One 5 mg THC edible
- A quarter dab of concentrate
- One bong hit
These findings prioritize safety and focus on users with low tolerance, ensuring accessibility and harm reduction, especially for new or infrequent consumers.
Practical Implications
By providing user-centered equivalencies, the ICE aims to contribute to public health initiatives and consumer education. Dr. Walsh emphasizes the importance of the ICE in supporting harm reduction and enhancing the consistency of cannabis-related research and policy.
| Consumption Method | Equivalent Low-Dose |
|---|---|
| Joint | Two puffs |
| Edible | One 5 mg THC edible |
| Concentrate | A quarter dab |
| Bong | One hit |
Potential Benefits
The implementation of the ICE stands to offer numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Safety: The guidelines are designed to minimize the risks associated with cannabis use for new and infrequent users.
- Improved Education: Educating consumers about dosage and effects promotes responsible usage.
- Policy Consistency: Policymakers can utilize these standardized measurements to inform regulations and health guidelines.
Conclusion
The Index of Cannabis Equivalence is a significant advancement toward understanding cannabis dosing. Its focus on user experience and safety positions it as a potentially transformative tool in the cannabis landscape. As research continues, ongoing assessments of the ICE will be crucial for adapting to the evolving landscape of cannabis consumption.
References
Michelle St. Pierre et al, The Index of Cannabis Equivalence (ICE): A User-Centered Approach to Standardization of Cannabis Dose–Response, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (2025).
Bidwell, David. Do two puffs equal a bong hit? Standardized cannabis dosing research aims to find out (2025, January 21) retrieved 21 January 2025 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-puffs-equal-bong-standardized-cannabis.html
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