It turns out that cravings for cannabis are quite different between men and women

by druginc

It turns out that men and women are very different when it comes to cannabis

The intensity of cannabis cravings among heavy cannabis users can vary by gender, a study finds.

If preliminary findings are confirmed, it appears that women who consume weed regularly will have stronger cravings for cannabis than their male counterparts, according to Technology Networks. And this more intense craving can be associated with estrogen levels.

Researchers also found preliminary evidence that ovarian hormones can modulate this differential response and may be related to different levels of estrogen. Further research is needed in this area, ”reports the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Although the sample size was small - 58 men and 54 women - all participants had used marijuana at least 5.000 times, notes the new study recently published in Drug and Alcohol Addiction. To find any differences, participants were asked to rank their cravings from one to 10. While the average craving was 5,5 for women, it was 4,6 for men.

Even higher cravings in women

Female consumers had significantly higher cravings when their estrogen levels were higher during their self-reported menstrual cycle.

The findings can be illuminating on a number of fronts, as men are usually the subject of studies on the effects of cannabis on the body.

Addressing gender-related differences in substance use is crucial, the university statement notes.

While women generally begin to use cannabis at a later age than men, they progress through the trajectories of addiction more quickly, the statement notes, adding the summary of the study, `` likely due to greater subjective cravings in women compared to men '.

Ultimately, the university adds: women start treatment programs at a younger age. "Women also report greater withdrawal symptoms and a greater negative impact from withdrawal," it adds.

Sources include AddictionCenter (EN), Technology Networks (EN), TheGrowthOp (EN)

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