Higher THC Proportion in Cannabis Predicted More Dependence and Anxiety, Regardless of Gender
In 202 trauma-exposed cannabis users, higher THC proportion (but not THC:CBD ratio) predicted greater dependence and anxiety symptoms, with no gender differences in this association.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis potency measured as relative THC proportion (THC%/[THC%+CBD%]) was significantly correlated with cannabis dependence (p=0.002) and anxiety (p=0.020). The traditional THC:CBD ratio did not predict these outcomes. Women reported higher anxiety and higher THC:CBD ratios than men. No gender differences were found in potency-outcome associations, consistent with recent reports of gender convergence.
Key Numbers
202 participants, 55.8% women, all with trauma histories. THC proportion: significant for dependence (p=0.002) and anxiety (p=0.020). THC:CBD ratio: not significant. Women: higher anxiety and higher THC:CBD ratios. No gender interaction with potency measures.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional online survey of 202 recent cannabis users (>1g in past month, 55.8% women) with trauma histories. Self-reported THC and CBD levels in typical products. Potency calculated two ways: THC:CBD ratio and THC proportion. CUDIT-R measured dependence; GAD-7 measured anxiety.
Why This Research Matters
How cannabis potency is measured matters for research. This study demonstrates that relative THC proportion is a superior predictor of adverse outcomes compared to the commonly used THC:CBD ratio, which could improve future research methodology.
The Bigger Picture
The methodological insight about THC proportion vs. ratio could help resolve inconsistencies in the cannabis potency literature. It also challenges the assumption that gender moderates potency effects, at least among trauma-exposed users.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Self-reported THC and CBD levels may be inaccurate. Cross-sectional design. Trauma-exposed sample may not generalize. Cannot determine causation. Relatively small sample for detecting gender interactions.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would lab-verified potency measures strengthen the THC proportion finding?
- ?Does the THC proportion measure perform better in non-trauma-exposed populations too?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Meaningful methodological contribution with adequate sample, but cross-sectional design and self-reported potency limit to moderate.
- Study Age:
- Recent cross-sectional study of trauma-exposed cannabis users.
- Original Title:
- The roles of cannabis potency and gender in cannabis dependence and anxiety in recent cannabis users with trauma exposure histories.
- Published In:
- Pharmacological research, 212, 107586 (2025)
- Authors:
- Snooks, T, Stewart, S H, Romero-Sanchiz, P, DeGrace, S, Barrett, S P, Bernusky, H C R, Tibbo, P G
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07687
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does higher THC mean more risk of dependence?
This study found that a higher proportion of THC relative to total cannabinoid content predicted greater dependence and anxiety symptoms, supporting the idea that potency matters for risk.
Are women more affected by cannabis potency?
No. Despite women reporting higher anxiety overall, there were no gender differences in how potency affected dependence or anxiety. This is consistent with recent trends showing gender convergence in cannabis effects.
Read More on RethinkTHC
- THC-purity-potency-label-meaning
- dab-concentrate-addiction-withdrawal
- delta-8-addiction-withdrawal
- edible-addiction-withdrawal-different
- edibles-psychosis-emergency-room
- healthiest-way-to-consume-cannabis
- how-cannabis-products-made-concentrates-edibles
- laced-weed-fentanyl-contaminated-vape
- legal-weed-vs-street-weed-quality-safety
- quitting-dabs-withdrawal
- quitting-edibles-withdrawal
- sativa-vs-indica-difference-myth
- weed-potency-withdrawal
- being-high-247-brain-body-constant-thc
- what-happens-body-high-247-for-months
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07687APA
Snooks, T; Stewart, S H; Romero-Sanchiz, P; DeGrace, S; Barrett, S P; Bernusky, H C R; Tibbo, P G. (2025). The roles of cannabis potency and gender in cannabis dependence and anxiety in recent cannabis users with trauma exposure histories.. Pharmacological research, 212, 107586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107586
MLA
Snooks, T, et al. "The roles of cannabis potency and gender in cannabis dependence and anxiety in recent cannabis users with trauma exposure histories.." Pharmacological research, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107586
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The roles of cannabis potency and gender in cannabis depende..." RTHC-07687. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/snooks-2025-the-roles-of-cannabis
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.