In a 12-week crossover trial, women showed significantly higher plasma CBD concentrations than men, potentially related to differences in body fat distribution.
CBD researchers, pharmacologists, clinicians prescribing cannabinoids
CBD still detectable in blood 50 days after last dose
What the researchers found
Among 62 hypertensive volunteers in a triple-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, females had significantly higher plasma CBD concentrations than males after receiving the same DehydraTECH2.0 CBD formulation. CBD was still detectable in plasma 50 days after the last dose.
Why it matters
Most CBD dosing recommendations do not account for sex differences. If women consistently achieve higher blood levels from the same dose, this has implications for both efficacy and safety.
The numbers in context
62 hypertensive volunteers; 12-week study duration; CBD detectable 50 days after last dose; plasma CBD/7-OH-CBD ratio significantly higher at week 5 vs week 2.5 (P=0.043); urine 7-COOH-CBD significantly higher at same timepoints (P<0.001)
How the study worked
Triple-blind (participant, investigator, outcome assessor) placebo-controlled crossover study with 62 hypertensive volunteers randomized to CBD formulation or placebo over 12 weeks. Plasma and urine analyzed for CBD and metabolites at multiple timepoints.
What this study cannot tell us
Used a specific proprietary CBD formulation (DehydraTECH2.0) that may not generalize to other products. Participants were hypertensive, limiting generalizability to healthy populations. Sex difference mechanism (adipose tissue) was hypothesized but not directly measured.
How to read the evidence
Well-designed triple-blind RCT with crossover design, though used a specific proprietary formulation and a hypertensive population.
When this study was published
Published 2023
The bigger picture
Sex-based differences in drug metabolism are well-documented for many pharmaceuticals but understudied for cannabinoids. These findings suggest CBD dosing may eventually need to be tailored by sex.
Questions still open
- Do sex-based CBD concentration differences translate to different therapeutic outcomes? Should CBD dosing guidelines account for biological sex?
Common questions
Do women absorb CBD differently than men?
How long does CBD stay in your system?
Read the original research
Differences in Plasma Cannabidiol Concentrations in Women and Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.
International journal of molecular sciences, 24(12)
Citation
Batinic, Ana; Sutlovic, Davorka; Kuret, Sendi; Burcul, Franko; Kalajzic, Nina; Matana, Antonela; Dujic, Goran; Vrdoljak, Josip; Kumric, Marko; Bozic, Josko; Dujic, Zeljko. (2023). Differences in Plasma Cannabidiol Concentrations in Women and Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210273
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