June is Men’s Health Month, and it’s a great time to address how cannabis might affect men differently than women. Very little research has been done to determine differences in cannabis use patterns and effects on sexes. But what’s out there is quite interesting!
What the Research Says
A 2016 study attempted to begin learning how cannabis might affect men and women differently. The researchers sampled 2374 cannabis users (1370 male, 1004 female). Seventy percent of these users identified as recreational users, 59.7percent as medical users, and 32.2 percent as both recreational and medical users.
Some interesting observations came from the study, published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research:
- Men reported using cannabis more frequently and in higher quantities than did women.
- Men were more likely to report using joints/blunts, vaporizers, and concentrates, while women were more likely to report using pipes and oral administration.
- Men were more likely than women to report increased appetite, improved memory, enthusiasm, altered time perception, and increased musicality when high, while women were more likely than men to report loss of appetite and desire to clean when high.
- Men were more likely than women to report insomnia and vivid dreams during periods of withdrawal, while women were more likely than men to report nausea or anxiety.
- Men reported experiencing greater headache/migraine relief from medical cannabis than women.
Overall, the results indicated that there are small but perhaps significant sex differences in cannabis use patterns, acute effects, and withdrawal effects.
Cannabis and Male Fertility
The jury is still out on whether men who plan to have a family in the near future should consider whether medical marijuana might affect their fertility. Current research suggests that cannabis use might negatively impact male fertility, however these tests have only been done on animals, not humans. Further studies are needed to validate whether or not men of reproductive age should avoid cannabis to increase their ability to conceive.
Several now-outdated studies from the 1980s and 1990s showed that cannabis doesn’t help male sexual function. Some studies showed that cannabis could cause problems like erectile dysfunction (ED) or low testosterone.
However, more recent research shows the opposite. A 2019 study found that men who had used cannabis (even once) had higher sperm counts than men who had never used cannabis. This suggests that, while chronic or overuse may not be good for men’s fertility, the right dosage of cannabis might actually help with sperm production.
In addition to the emerging research, many doctors cite anecdotal evidence that suggests that cannabis might treat ED. Some doctors across the country are even prescribing cannabis as a treatment for men suffering from erectile dysfunction, lack of desire, and difficulty reaching orgasm.
Differences in Study Results Between Men and Women
Much more study into the differences in how cannabis affects men versus women is needed. Recently, the DEA approved new growers of research marijuana for the first time in more than 50 years, widening the capacity to study its medical value. New studies in this area of research will likely delve more deeply into the biological and psycho-social mechanisms underlying cannabis-related sex differences. These discoveries are likely to help inform cannabis patients, clinicians, and policymakers about the risks and benefits of cannabis for both sexes.
Want to learn more about medical marijuana in Ohio? Contact medicateOH@gmail.com or reach out to us via our social media channels. Our team of consultants can help you select cannabis products for your condition and assist you in getting your medical marijuana card.
####
MedicateOH provides news and information about the medical marijuana program in Ohio and cannabis as medicine. Please help us reach more patients and potential patients by making a donation to support our mission.
