Gender Differences in Dual Diagnoses Associated with Cannabis Use: A Review
Laura Prieto-Arenas, Ignacio Díaz, María Carmen Arenas
Brain Sciences March 15, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030388 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Citations | 26 |
| Key findings | The reviewed studies indicate that gender differences exist in psychotic, depressive, and anxious symptoms associated with cannabis use, though the direction of these differences is not always clear. The authors argue that future research is needed to clarify the causal relationship between cannabis use and psychiatric symptoms and the gender differences found. |
Abstract
Gender differences in psychiatric disorders and drug use are well known. Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug among young people. In recent years, its use has been related to the development of psychiatric pathologies; however, few studies have incorporated the gender perspective as of yet. The present work analyses the literature to determine the existence of gender differences in the development of psychotic, depressive and anxious symptoms associated with cannabis use. First, we describe cannabis misuse and its consequences, paying special attention to adolescent subjects. Second, the main gender differences in psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis, depression, anxiety and cannabis use disorders, are enumerated. Subsequently, we discuss the studies that have evaluated gender differences in the association between cannabis use and the appearance of psychotic, depressive and anxious symptoms; moreover, we consider the possible explanations for the identified gender differences. In conclusion, the studies referred to in this review reveal the existence of gender differences in psychiatric symptoms associated with cannabis use, although the direction of such differences is not always clear. Future research is necessary to discern the causal relationship between cannabis use and the development of psychiatric symptoms, as well as the gender differences found.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Sex-specific vulnerabilities in cannabis-induced psychosis: A scoping review. Asian Journal of Psychiatry July 8, 2026
- Same dose, different impact: acute cannabis intoxication impairs visuospatial working memory in both sexes, with disproportionate male vulnerability Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience April 16, 2026
- Long-lasting behavioral, molecular and functional connectivity alterations after chronic THC exposure during adolescence in mice. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry July 13, 2025
- Clinical, Cognitive, and Neurobiological Correlates of Impaired Timing Abilities Associate to Cannabis Use: a Systematic Review International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction August 29, 2023
Cites 10
- Effects of cannabis use on outcomes of psychotic disorders: systematic review The British Journal of Psychiatry October 31, 2008
- Cannabis and Psychosis: Are We any Closer to Understanding the Relationship? Current Psychiatry Reports June 4, 2019
- Exposure to cannabinoids can lead to persistent cognitive and psychiatric disorders European Journal of Pain February 22, 2019
- Cannabis exposure during adolescence: A uniquely sensitive period for neurobiological effects. International review of neurobiology 2022
- The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): a multicentre case-control study The Lancet Psychiatry May 1, 2019
and 5 more in the library