Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Cannabis Use.

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Psychiatry
• Cannabis Research

Background:

• Cannabis is a widely used substance, with increasing prevalence of highly concentrated products.
• Significant gender disparities exist in cannabis use patterns and the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD).
• Women show a faster progression from initial cannabis use to CUD compared to men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical and human studies on sex-specific neurobiological factors in cannabis use and CUD.
• To explore the association between cannabis use, CUD, and psychiatric symptoms in a sex-specific manner.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical and human studies.
• Analysis of neurobiological differences related to the endocannabinoid system.
• Examination of brain structure and function alterations due to cannabis exposure.

Main Results:

• Sex differences are observed in the endocannabinoid system and the effects of cannabis on brain structure and function.
• Cannabis use co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia symptoms, with sex-specific correlations.
• Female cannabis users exhibit correlations between anxiety and amygdala volume, and social anxiety with CUD; they are also vulnerable to earlier schizophrenia onset.

Conclusions:

• Understanding sex-specific neurobiological mechanisms of cannabis exposure is vital due to increasing prevalence and policy changes.
• Research into these mechanisms can guide the development of tailored interventions for high-risk cannabis use and comorbid psychiatric conditions in both sexes.