Sex and Gender Differences in Cannabis Responses Flashcards
What are the definitions of “sex” and “gender” in pharmacological research?
“Sex” refers to a biological construct involving anatomy, physiology, genes, and hormones. “Gender” is a social construct involving identity, roles, norms, and institutionalized dynamics.
How do men and women differ in their cannabis use patterns?
Men are generally more likely to use cannabis than women, but women may escalate their use faster and experience drug-related harms sooner than men (“telescoping effect”).
How do motives for using cannabis differ by gender?
Women are more likely to use cannabis to cope with psychological distress, whereas men are more likely to use it for recreational purposes, such as getting high.
ow does sex affect responses to cannabinoids?
Female rodents show greater behavioral responses to cannabinoids across various assays, possibly influenced by estradiol, which tends to enhance these effects.
What role does estradiol play in modulating cannabinoid effects?
Estradiol may increase the behavioral effects of cannabinoids, such as antinociception and sedation, by modulating CB1 receptor density and function.
How do THC pharmacokinetics differ between males and females?
Female rodents primarily metabolize THC to the psychoactive metabolite 11-OH-THC, while males tend to produce more inactive metabolites. This pattern might influence the intensity of cannabis’s effects.
What has been the historical issue with sex bias in pharmacological research?
Historically, both human and animal research often excluded females based on misconceptions about variability and ethical concerns, leading to a male-biased understanding of drug effects.
Are there observed sex differences in THC metabolism in human studies?
Studies suggest that females may have higher blood concentrations of THC and its metabolites compared to males, possibly due to differences in body composition and metabolism.
What is meant by “sex/gender” entanglement in research?
The term “sex/gender” acknowledges that in human research, aspects of both sex and gender are often intertwined and influence each other, making it challenging to separate their effects.
