Why cannabis research is missing half the picture

This scoping review addresses a critical gap in cannabis research: the lack of sex and gender-focused studies on cannabis use disorder (CUD) and problematic cannabis use. While cannabis use has historically been more common among men and boys, the gender gap has been narrowing in recent decades, driven by increasing use among women and girls. Despite this demographic shift, cannabis research has largely overlooked sex and gender as important variables, leaving significant blind spots in our understanding of how people of different genders experience cannabis use and respond to treatment.

The researchers aim to synthesize existing evidence about how biological sex and social gender influence both the development of problematic cannabis use and treatment outcomes. This includes examining correlates (factors associated with CUD), treatment effectiveness, and clinical outcomes across different groups. Importantly, the review will also explore how sex and gender intersect with other social factors like race and sexuality, recognizing that cannabis use patterns and treatment needs are shaped by multiple overlapping identities and social experiences.

This work has significant practical implications for developing more effective, inclusive treatment approaches for people with CUD. By identifying sex and gender-specific patterns in cannabis use, addiction severity, and treatment response, researchers and clinicians can create tailored interventions that address the distinct needs of different populations. The review highlights that evidence-based treatment currently lacks the nuanced, gender-informed perspective needed to optimize care for the growing population of women and gender-diverse individuals using cannabis.