Cannabis Consumers Prefer Simple THC Dose Labels Over Percentages
A survey of 575 U.S. cannabis users found most wanted THC content on labels, with 'Standard THC Units' (e.g., 5mg per serving) preferred over percentage-based labeling — regardless of state legalization status.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Most respondents considered it important for cannabis products to include THC information. When comparing Standard THC Units, THC concentration (%), or both, Standard THC Units were significantly preferred (p<.001). Preferences did not differ by state cannabis policy, sex, or frequency of use.
Key Numbers
575 participants from various U.S. states. Past 12-month cannabis users. Standard THC Units preferred over concentration (p<.001). No significant preference differences by state policy, sex, or use frequency. Example unit: 5mg THC per serving.
How They Did This
Online survey of 575 adult cannabis users (past 12 months) recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk from various U.S. states. Assessed cannabis use patterns, attitudes, and preferences for THC labeling metrics (standard units, concentration, total content). Descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses.
Why This Research Matters
THC labeling on cannabis products is inconsistent across states, limiting consumers' ability to make informed choices. Finding that consumers prefer simple dose-based units over percentages supports standardized labeling that could reduce overconsumption and adverse events.
The Bigger Picture
This parallels the success of standard drink measures for alcohol. A universal 'standard THC unit' could help consumers dose consistently across products, potentially reducing emergency department visits from edible overconsumption and supporting harm reduction.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Amazon Mechanical Turk sample not representative. Existing cannabis users may have different preferences than new users. Hypothetical preferences may not translate to real-world behavior. Did not include THC milligrams as a standalone option.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would standard THC units actually change consumption behavior?
- ?What should the standard unit be (5mg?
- ?10mg)?
- ?Could this reduce cannabis-related ER visits from edible overconsumption?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Exploratory convenience sample providing initial consumer preference data — needs replication in representative samples.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2026, addressing a timely regulatory question as more states establish cannabis labeling requirements.
- Original Title:
- Exploring THC labelling preferences to communicate the strength of cannabis products: Insights from U.S. consumers.
- Published In:
- The International journal on drug policy, 147, 105076 (2026)
- Authors:
- Dawson, Danielle(5), Hall, Wayne(24), Goodwin, Isabella(4), Carlini, Beatriz H, Lubman, Dan I, Hammond, David, Freeman, Tom P, Lorenzetti, Valentina
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08205
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How should THC be labeled on cannabis products?
This study found consumers prefer 'Standard THC Units' (like 5mg per serving) over THC percentage or total content. This is similar to how alcohol uses 'standard drinks' and could help consumers dose more accurately.
Why does THC labeling matter?
Inconsistent labeling makes it hard for consumers to predict effects, especially with edibles where overconsumption is common. A universal standard could help people make safer choices regardless of which state or dispensary they buy from.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08205APA
Dawson, Danielle; Hall, Wayne; Goodwin, Isabella; Carlini, Beatriz H; Lubman, Dan I; Hammond, David; Freeman, Tom P; Lorenzetti, Valentina. (2026). Exploring THC labelling preferences to communicate the strength of cannabis products: Insights from U.S. consumers.. The International journal on drug policy, 147, 105076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.105076
MLA
Dawson, Danielle, et al. "Exploring THC labelling preferences to communicate the strength of cannabis products: Insights from U.S. consumers.." The International journal on drug policy, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.105076
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Exploring THC labelling preferences to communicate the stren..." RTHC-08205. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/dawson-2026-exploring-thc-labelling-preferences
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.