Sex hormone oestrogen makes women more likely to become addicted to cannabis

Use of cannabis is a highly debated topic in different parts of the world today as many warn against getting addicted to it. But while people discuss the effects of smoking cannabis, does getting high depend on a person’s gender?

Findings of a study show that women are more likely to develop an addiction to cannabis because of sex hormone oestrogen. Even as men are more likely to try it and take heavy doses due to testosterone; cannabis may quickly become a habit in case of women.

Women are more sensitive to effects of cannabis and release of brain chemicals associated with pleasure and reward. The findings are important with more countries looking forward to legalise cannabis.

The difference in response was because of influence of sex hormones on the endocannabinoid system. This is a network of brain sells communicating through same chemicals found in cannabis.

Sex steroids in men suppress the brain’s reward system by increasing risk-taking behaviour. The research can help develop gender based treatment methods for drug addiction.