Higher THC Proportion in Cannabis Predicted More Dependence and Anxiety, Regardless of Gender | Research

The takeaway

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.

cannabis researchers, addiction clinicians, anxiety researchers, methodologists

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Meaningful methodological contribution with adequate sample, but cross-sectional design and self-reported potency limit to moderate.

When this study was published

Recent cross-sectional study of trauma-exposed cannabis users.

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.

Questions still open

Would lab-verified potency measures strengthen the THC proportion finding?
Does the THC proportion measure perform better in non-trauma-exposed populations too?

Common 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 the original research

The roles of cannabis potency and gender in cannabis dependence and anxiety in recent cannabis users with trauma exposure histories.

Pharmacological research, 212, 107586

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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