Combining data from two RCTs of 40 participants, males and females showed very similar responses to vaporized cannabis (13.75 mg THC), with males performing better on a divided attention task but no differences in subjective effects, cardiovascular measures, or most blood levels.
Cannabis researchers, pharmacologists, clinicians prescribing medical cannabis, and driving impairment researchers.
No sex differences in subjective effects, cardiovascular measures, or THC levels
What the researchers found
After controlling for BMI and plasma THC, relatively few sex differences emerged. Males performed better on a divided attention task and had higher peak 11-COOH-THC levels. No differences in subjective drug effects, cardiovascular measures, or concentrations of THC, CBD, or other metabolites.
Why it matters
As cannabis policies evolve, understanding whether men and women respond differently to cannabis is important for clinical dosing, driving impairment standards, and public health messaging.
The numbers in context
Males: 21. Females: 19. THC dose: 13.75 mg vaporized. CBD dose: 13.75 mg (in some conditions). Males: better DAT performance, higher 11-COOH-THC. No sex differences in subjective effects or cardiovascular measures.
How the study worked
Combined data from two RCTs with 21 males and 19 females receiving vaporized cannabis (13.75 mg THC, with/without 13.75 mg CBD). Peak scores calculated for subjective effects, cognitive performance, cardiovascular effects, and plasma concentrations.
What this study cannot tell us
Moderate sample size (n=40). Single dose level. Vaporized administration only. Combined data from two separate trials. Cannot generalize to edibles or higher doses.
How to read the evidence
Combined RCT data with appropriate controls for BMI and blood levels, though moderate sample size.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
At moderate vaporized doses, sex differences in acute cannabis effects appear minimal, though higher doses or oral administration may reveal differences that this study could not detect.
Questions still open
- Would sex differences emerge at higher THC doses? Do oral cannabis products show more sex-dependent effects due to differential first-pass metabolism?
Common questions
Do men and women respond differently to cannabis?
Does CBD affect the sex difference?
Read the original research
Sex differences in acute cannabis effects revisited: Results from two randomized, controlled trials.
Addiction biology, 27(2), e13125
Citation
Arkell, Thomas R; Kevin, Richard C; Vinckenbosch, Frederick; Lintzeris, Nicholas; Theunissen, Eef; Ramaekers, Johannes G; McGregor, Iain S. (2022). Sex differences in acute cannabis effects revisited: Results from two randomized, controlled trials.. Addiction biology, 27(2), e13125. https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13125
Explore the wider topic
- Cannabis and Your Cardiovascular System: Heart Risk, Stroke, and What the Research Shows
- Cannabis and Your Heart: What the Cardiovascular Research Shows
- Coughing Up Black Stuff After Quitting Weed: What It Means
- Lung Recovery After Quitting Weed: The Complete Timeline
- Weed and Your Lungs: Recovery Timeline After Quitting
- Quitting Weed as a Woman: Hormones, Cycles, and Recovery
- Cannabis, Weight, and Diet: What Quitting Does to Your Appetite
- Sex After Quitting Weed: What Changes and What Doesn't
- Cannabis and Driving: DUI Laws, Impairment Science, and What You Need to Know
- Weed and Acne: Can Quitting Cannabis Clear Your Skin?
- Weed and Fertility: What Couples Should Know
- Weed and Your Gut: How Cannabis Affects Digestion
- Weed and Your Heart: Cardiovascular Effects and Recovery
- Weed, Testosterone, and Male Health: What the Research Actually Shows