Sex differences in the acute effects of cannabis on human cognition: A systematic review.
Frontiers in neuroendocrinology October 1, 2025 Justin Matheson, Danial Behzad, Christina Zakala et al. 5 citations
A systematic review of 29 studies found limited evidence that sex influences the acute cognitive effects of cannabis or THC in humans. Only 6 of 29 articles (20.7%), representing 8 of 216 cognitive outcomes (3.7%), reported sex differences. All six studies found greater cognitive impairment in female participants for at least one measure; one study also found greater effects in male participants, and one found divergent effects between sexes. No consistent patterns emerged by cognitive domain, route of administration, or dosing paradigm. Methodological heterogeneity across studies prevents firm conclusions, and future research should examine hormonal modulation of cannabinoid effects.