Sex Differences in Cannabis Use and Effects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsr.v12i3.2068Keywords:
cannabis, sex differences, patterns of use, motivations, health effects, well-being, physiological responses, cannabis use disorders, reproductive health, substance abuse, addiction, public healthAbstract
Cannabis, the most widely used illicit substance globally, has seen a significant increase in usage, driven by the growth of the cannabis industry and evolving public opinion on potential risks. Understanding the differential effects of cannabis on males and females is becoming increasingly significant. This paper aims to investigate the sex differences in cannabis use, including patterns, motivations, and physiological responses, and their impact on health and well-being. Usage patterns exhibit variations between genders, with men using cannabis more frequently, in larger quantities, and starting at a younger age. Conversely, women tend to experience a "telescoping effect," progressing more rapidly from initial use to dependence. Sex differences are observed in the effects of cannabis, including increased heart rate and heightened sensitivity in women, and long-term consequences like Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and cognitive impairment in men. Cannabis use has also been linked to negative effects on reproductive health in women, as well as sexual function and testosterone levels in men. Mental health concerns are also prevalent, with women at a higher risk of developing dependence and experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Conversely, heavy cannabis use may exacerbate anxiety and depression in men. Further research is imperative to inform the general population and the healthcare industry, enabling informed decision-making regarding the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use. This knowledge will facilitate the development of gender-specific prevention and treatment strategies for cannabis use disorders, promoting the overall well-being of individuals.
Downloads
Metrics
References or Bibliography
Bonn-Miller, M. O., Boden, M. T., Bucossi, M. M., & Babson, K. A. (2014). Self-reported cannabis use characteristics, patterns and helpfulness among medical cannabis users. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 40(1), 23-30. https://doi.org/10.3109/00952990.2013.821477
Calakos, K. C., Bhatt, S., Foster, D. W., & Cosgrove, K. P. (2017). Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Cannabis Use. Current addiction reports, 4(4), 439–453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-017-0174-7
Cooper, Z. D., & Haney, M. (2014). Investigation of sex-dependent effects of cannabis in daily cannabis smokers. Drug and alcohol dependence, 136, 85–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.12.013
Cooper, Z. D., & Haney, M. (2016). Sex-dependent effects of cannabis-induced analgesia. Drug and alcohol dependence, 167, 112–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.08.001
Corroon, J., & Phillips, J. A. (2018). A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0006
Cuttler, C., Mischley, L. K., & Sexton, M. (2016). Sex Differences in Cannabis Use and Effects: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Cannabis Users. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 1(1), 166–175. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0010
Craft, R. M., Marusich, J. A., & Wiley, J. L. (2013). Sex differences in cannabinoid pharmacology: a reflection of differences in the endocannabinoid system?. Life sciences, 92(8-9), 476–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2012.06.009
Deng, Y., Chang, L., Yang, M., Huo, M., & Zhou, R. (2016). Gender Differences in Emotional Response: Inconsistency between Experience and Expressivity. PloS one, 11(6), e0158666. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0158666
Du Plessis, S. S., Agarwal, A., & Syriac, A. (2015). Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 32(11), 1575-1588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-015-0553-8
Fairman B. J. (2016). Trends in registered medical marijuana participation across 13 US states and District of Columbia. Drug and alcohol dependence, 159, 72–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.11.015
Fattore, L., & Fratta, W. (2010). How important are sex differences in cannabinoid action?. British journal of pharmacology, 160(3), 544–548. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00776.x
Gfroerer, J. C., & Epstein, J. F. (1999). Marijuana initiates and their impact on future drug abuse treatment need. Drug and alcohol dependence, 54(3), 229–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0376-8716(98)00167-7
Gfroerer, J. C., Wu, L.-T., & Penne, M. A. (2002). Initiation of Marijuana Use: Trends, Patterns, and Implications (Analytic Series: A-17, DHHS Publication No. SMA 02-3711). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=493dd06700dcf5a8188b0fb274bf06ef533f9627
Gundersen, T. D., Jørgensen, N., Andersson, A. M., Bang, A. K., Nordkap, L., Skakkebæk, N. E., & Priskorn, L. (2015). Association between use of marijuana and male reproductive hormones and semen quality: A study among 1,215 healthy young men. American Journal of Epidemiology, 182(6), 473-481. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwv135
Hasin, D. S., Sarvet, A. L., Cerdá, M., Keyes, K. M., Stohl, M., Galea, S., & Wall, M. M. (2017). US Adult Illicit Cannabis Use, Cannabis Use Disorder, and Medical Marijuana Laws: 1991-1992 to 2012-2013. JAMA psychiatry, 74(6), 579–588. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.0724
Hedges, J. C., Hanna, C. B., Bash, J. C., Boniface, E. R., Burch, F. C., Mahalingaiah, S., Roberts, V. H. J., Terrobias, J. J. D., Mishler, E. C., Jensen, J. V., Easley, C. A., 4th, & Lo, J. O. (2022). Chronic exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol impacts testicular volume and male reproductive health in rhesus macaques. Fertility and sterility, 117(4), 698–707. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.028
Huestis, M. A., Gorelick, D. A., Heishman, S. J., Preston, K. L., Nelson, R. A., Moolchan, E. T., & Frank, R. A. (2001). Blockade of effects of smoked marijuana by the CB1-selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716. Archives of general psychiatry, 58(4), 322–328. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.58.4.322
Khan, S. S., Secades-Villa, R., Okuda, M., Wang, S., Pérez-Fuentes, G., Kerridge, B. T., & Blanco, C. (2013). Gender differences in cannabis use disorders: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Drug and alcohol dependence, 130(1-3), 101–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.10.015
Lev-Ran, S., Imtiaz, S., Taylor, B. J., Shield, K. D., Rehm, J., & Le Foll, B. (2012). Gender differences in health-related quality of life among cannabis users: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Drug and alcohol dependence, 123(1-3), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.11.010
McLean, C. P., Asnaani, A., Litz, B. T., & Hofmann, S. G. (2011). Gender differences in anxiety disorders: Prevalence, course of illness, comorbidity and burden of illness. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 45(8), 1027-1035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.03.006
NIDA. 2020, January 22. Substance Use in Women DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-women on 2023, May 31
Novak, J. R., Peak, T., Gast, J., & Arnell, M. (2019). Associations Between Masculine Norms and Health-Care Utilization in Highly Religious, Heterosexual Men. American journal of men's health, 13(3), 1557988319856739. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319856739
Patel, R., Wilson, R., Jackson, R., Ball, M., Shetty, H., Broadbent, M., Stewart, R., McGuire, P., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2016). Association of cannabis use with hospital admission and antipsychotic treatment failure in first episode psychosis: an observational study. BMJ open, 6(3), e009888. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009888
Pope, H. G., Jr, Gruber, A. J., Hudson, J. I., Cohane, G., Huestis, M. A., & Yurgelun-Todd, D. (2003). Early-onset cannabis use and cognitive deficits: what is the nature of the association?. Drug and alcohol dependence, 69(3), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0376-8716(02)00334-4
Ryan, K. S., Bash, J. C., Hanna, C. B., Hedges, J. C., & Lo, J. O. (2021). Effects of marijuana on reproductive health: preconception and gestational effects. Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity, 28(6), 558–565. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000686
Simons, J., Correia, C. J., Carey, K. B., & Borsari, B. E. (1998). Validating a five-factor marijuana motives measure: Relations with use, problems, and alcohol motives. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 45(3), 265–273. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.45.3.265
Skosnik, P. D., Krishnan, G. P., Vohs, J. L., & O'Donnell, B. F. (2006). The effect of cannabis use and gender on the visual steady state evoked potential. Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 117(1), 144–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2005.09.024
Subbaraman, M. S., & Kerr, W. C. (2015). Simultaneous versus concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis in the National Alcohol Survey. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research, 39(5), 872–879. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12698
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-44, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 12-4713. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/Revised2k11NSDUHSummNatFindings/Revised2k11NSDUHSummNatFindings/NSDUHresults2011.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, August 22). Marijuana and hallucinogen use among young adults reached all-time high in 2021. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/marijuana-hallucinogen-use-among-young-adults-reached-all-time-high-2021#:~:text=The%20proportion%20of%20young%20adults,2016%20and%2017%25%20in%202011
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2023 Rameen Omar; Dr. Vanessa Shirazi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright holder(s) granted JSR a perpetual, non-exclusive license to distriute & display this article.
