Gender Differences Exist in Cannabis-Related Psychiatric Disorders, but Direction Varies | Research

The takeaway

A review found that gender differences exist in cannabis-associated psychotic, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, but the direction of these differences is inconsistent across studies, highlighting the need for more gender-focused research.

Psychiatrists; gender health researchers; public health professionals designing gender-responsive prevention programs.

Gender differences exist but direction varies across conditions and studies

What the researchers found

Studies consistently show gender differences in cannabis-associated psychiatric symptoms, but the direction varies across studies and conditions. Some findings suggest women are more vulnerable to cannabis-related depression and anxiety, while men may show stronger associations with psychotic symptoms.

Why it matters

Most cannabis research has not adequately accounted for gender differences. Understanding that men and women may face different psychiatric risks from cannabis use could improve clinical screening, prevention messaging, and treatment approaches.

The numbers in context

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug among young people. The review covered three main symptom domains: psychosis, depression, and anxiety, with gender-stratified findings for each.

How the study worked

Narrative review analyzing literature on gender differences in psychotic, depressive, and anxiety symptoms associated with cannabis use. Examined possible explanations including hormonal, pharmacokinetic, and social factors.

What this study cannot tell us

Narrative review without systematic methodology. Many of the reviewed studies were not designed to test gender differences as a primary outcome. Inconsistent findings may reflect methodological differences rather than true variability in gender effects.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: comprehensive narrative review covering multiple psychiatric conditions, though limited by inconsistent underlying evidence.

When this study was published

Published in 2022.

The bigger picture

The inconsistent direction of gender differences suggests that the relationship between cannabis and mental health is more complex than a simple dose-response. Biological factors (hormones, cannabinoid metabolism), social factors (patterns of use, stigma), and their interactions likely all contribute.

Questions still open

What biological mechanisms drive gender differences in cannabis-related psychiatric symptoms? Should cannabis clinical trials be required to report gender-stratified results? Would gender-specific prevention strategies be more effective?

Common questions

Are men or women more at risk from cannabis?

Both face risks but potentially different ones. Some evidence suggests women are more vulnerable to cannabis-related depression and anxiety, while men may show stronger associations with psychotic symptoms. The direction of differences is not fully consistent across studies.

Why do men and women react differently to cannabis?

Possible explanations include hormonal differences affecting cannabinoid metabolism, differences in patterns of use (frequency, potency, age of onset), and different social contexts. The exact mechanisms are still being researched.

Read the original research

Gender Differences in Dual Diagnoses Associated with Cannabis Use: A Review.

Brain sciences, 12(3)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Prieto-Arenas, Laura; Díaz, Ignacio; Arenas, M Carmen. (2022). Gender Differences in Dual Diagnoses Associated with Cannabis Use: A Review.. Brain sciences, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12030388