Cannabis affects people in varied ways, influenced by factors such as dose, frequency of consumption, and individual biology.
While more research is still needed, emerging studies increasingly support the idea that cannabis affects men and women differently. Here’s what we know.
How cannabis affects the body: men vs. women
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system in all humans, but emerging research suggests that biological sex may influence how cannabinoids like THC and CBD are metabolized and experienced.
From appetite to pain perception, the effects of cannabis can vary between men and women.
Appetite
Cannabis is well known for stimulating appetite, which is often called “the munchies.”
However, studies suggest that this effect is more common in men than women, with men more likely to report increased hunger after consumption (75.2% of men compared to 70% of women). Meanwhile, women are more likely to report a decrease in appetite (11.8% of women compared to 8.5% of men).
This difference may be rooted in how cannabinoids interact with the body’s digestive and hormonal systems.
Animal research has shown that cannabinoid agonists (compounds that activate cannabinoid receptors, like THC) stimulate feeding behavior more quickly and consistently in male animals than in females.
Pain perception
Men appear to be more sensitive to the pain-relieving effects of THC.
Researchers from Columbia University analyzed data from two double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies looking at the analgesic effects of cannabis in 42 recreational cannabis consumers.
After consuming the same amount of either an active or placebo form of cannabis, the participants immersed one hand in a cold-water bath until the pain could no longer be tolerated.
Men reported a significant decrease in pain sensitivity and an increase in pain tolerance, while women did not experience a substantial reduction in pain sensitivity.
However, it’s important to note that as estrogen levels rise (such as before ovulation), the effects of cannabis may be significantly altered. This sensitivity means that women may be more sensitive to cannabis during certain phases of their cycle.
Metabolism
Emerging research suggests that the metabolism of THC may differ by sex, influencing how quickly cannabis tolerance develops and how strongly its effects are felt.
In animal studies, female rats have shown greater sensitivity to THC’s therapeutic effects. However, this increased sensitivity also appears to accelerate the development of tolerance. In one study, female rats developed THC tolerance more quickly than males, even when given 30% lower doses.
This may help explain why some women feel the effects of cannabis more intensely at first but may need more time to achieve the same results. However, more research is needed to determine if these effects translate to humans.
How cannabis affects hormones
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in hormone regulation.
Research suggests THC may temporarily lower levels of reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, especially with frequent consumption.
As noted above, women may feel stronger effects from THC during ovulation, when estrogen increases CB1 receptor sensitivity.
Meanwhile, CBD may help regulate cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, potentially supporting stress resilience and hormonal balance.
For more information on how cannabis affects hormones, check out our guide to cannabis and hormones here.
How cannabis affects the mind: men vs. women
Anxiety and mood
Women may be more prone to experience anxiety or panic reactions after cannabis consumption, possibly due to hormonal modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
Because estrogen can increase sensitivity to THC’s psychoactive effects, women may have an increased susceptibility to negative mood states after consuming.
Energy and motivation
Women often report stronger feelings of energy and motivation after cannabis consumption compared to men.
One study found that women were more likely to report a desire to clean or engage in productive tasks while high, whereas men more often reported increased enthusiasm and enjoyment of sensory experiences like music.
Perception and cognition
Men are more likely to report altered time perception and enhanced memory, while high effects are often associated with deep focus or creative thinking.
These experiences may reflect differences in how cannabis interacts with attention and perception systems in the brain.
Further, chronic cannabis consumption has been associated with greater deficits in psychomotor and cognitive speed in males, compared to females.
Evidence that cannabis may not affect men and women differently
Not all research supports clear-cut sex differences in cannabis effects.
One study combining data from two randomized controlled trials found that both men and women experienced similar subjective, cognitive, and physiological effects after consuming a dose of vaporized THC.
After adjusting for body mass index and THC blood levels, the only notable differences were that men tended to perform slightly better on a divided attention task and had higher levels of one THC metabolite.
Otherwise, there were no significant differences in how the cannabis affected mood, cognition, or cardiovascular response.
Cannabis effects are personal; your experience should be, too
While research continues to explore how cannabis may affect men and women differently, one thing is clear: individual responses are shaped by a wide range of factors, including biology, dose, product type, and personal goals.
Whether you’re seeking relief, relaxation, or simply curious about how cannabis fits into your wellness routine, understanding the science behind it can help you make more informed choices.
At Blue Oak Dispensary, we’re here to help you navigate those choices with care, knowledge, and personalized support. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the right products, no matter your experience level, lifestyle, or wellness needs.
