The Project:
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership.
Cannabis is used by approximately 200 million people worldwide. This number is set to increase further as it becomes available as a legal drug in the USA, Canada and beyond. Despite its widespread use, consumers have limited information on the contents of what they are using, and no guidance on safer use limits.
This contrasts with alcohol, where drinks are labelled with the number of standard units (one unit = 8g alcohol). Furthermore, public health guidance is available to help people use alcohol more safely. This includes the recommendation not to exceed 14 units per week for men or women. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/calculating-alcohol-units/
In this PhD you will investigate whether we can develop standard units for cannabis as we have for alcohol. You will build on recent work conducted at the University of Bath and Australian Catholic University defining the ‘standard THC unit’: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.14842
In 2021 the standard THC unit was endorsed by the US National Institute of Drug Abuse, the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and the American Psychological Association, demonstrating international support for the initiative.
During this PhD, you will develop this work further by investigating the real-world application of the standard THC unit, and what the potential benefits or harms might be for individuals and society. You will have the opportunity to shape the scope of this work according to your own interests and training goals (e.g. focusing on mental health, addiction, physical health, social or economic outcomes). You will be supported in developing your programme of research to strengthen your independence and leadership skills.