What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: THC, CBD, Pain, Mental Health, Cancer.

Where was this research published?

Published in Cannabis and cannabinoid research on October 16, 2026.

Israeli registry study finds sex differences in cannabis use and reported…

Q: What did this research study find?

In this retrospective registry study of **135,698** Israeli medical cannabis license holders, chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms and chemotherapy, and post-traumatic stress disorder were leading indications for both sexes.

Sex-Related Differences in Medical Cannabis Use: A Nationwide Database Study.

Cannabis and cannabinoid research • October 16, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

This abstract-based summary covers a population-based, retrospective study of medical cannabis use in Israel. Researchers analyzed registry records for 135,698 license holders from April 2018 to March 2022, comparing use patterns and reported adverse effects by sex. The leading reasons for use in both groups were chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms and chemotherapy treatment, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

At treatment initiation, men were issued larger monthly quantities and products with higher THC and lower CBD concentrations than women; the differences remained over two years. Men had a slightly lower rate of discontinuation, while women were more likely to report at least one adverse effect. These observational results show differences in prescribing and reported experience, but cannot establish that sex itself caused them or explain the underlying factors. As an abstract-based summary, this study also cannot determine whether the differences reflect biological, behavioral, or healthcare-system influences, or whether they translate into differences in treatment benefit.

💡 Key Findings

In this retrospective registry study of 135,698 Israeli medical cannabis license holders, chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms and chemotherapy, and post-traumatic stress disorder were leading indications for both sexes.

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Men started with higher monthly quantities and higher THC and lower CBD concentrations than women; these differences persisted over two years.

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95%

Men had a lower discontinuation rate, while women were more likely to report at least one adverse effect. These are observational associations, not proof that sex caused the differences.

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95%

📄 Original Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing use of medical cannabis (MC) worldwide, understanding potential sex-related differences in treatment patterns and outcomes has become increasingly important. The objective of this study was to characterize medical cannabis use in Israel, focusing on sex-related differences in usage patterns and adverse effects. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using data from the Israeli Medical Cannabis Agency registry (April 2018-March 2022). The dataset includes license holders' demographics, indication for use, monthly dose, THC/CBD concentrations, and reported adverse effects. Sex-related differences were assessed using time-series analyses, Cox models, and relative risk estimates. RESULTS: A total of 135,698 individuals (62% men) were issued a license to use MC in Israel during the study period. Men using MC were significantly younger than women (49 ± 18.3 vs. 55.3 ± 18.1). The leading indications among both sexes were chronic pain, symptoms related to oncological disease and chemotherapy treatment, and post-traumatic stress disorder. At initiation, men received higher monthly quantities than women (29.3 g vs. 26.1 g; p < 0.001), higher THC concentrations (14.3% vs. 11.9%; p < 0.001), and lower CBD concentrations (5.1% vs. 6.5%; p < 0.001). These differences remained significant over 2 years. Men had a lower discontinuation rate (HR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.97). Women were more likely than men to report at least one adverse effect (RR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.43-1.58). CONCLUSION: Sex-related differences in MC use likely reflect biological, behavioral, and systemic factors, influencing both outcomes and risk of misuse. These disparities highlight the need for sex-informed clinical approaches and further research to support equitable, evidence-based treatment.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Cannabis and cannabinoid research
Published: October 16, 2026
PMID: 42886237
DOI: 10.1177/25785125261497797

Authors (7)

Noa Yakirevich Amir Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Nir Treves Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Eliad Davidson Department of Anesthesia, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Inbal Reuveni Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Sharon Florentin Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
+2 more authors