Men are more prone to psychological problems as a result of smoking marijuana
In this article, we look at the relationship between marijuana smoking and psychological problems in men. We will explore how the THC in marijuana affects the brain and may contribute to the development of mental health problems. We will find out whether men are more susceptible to mental health problems than women and what factors may influence this. We will present the results of studies that suggest men are more prone to certain mental illnesses.
Effects of smoking marijuana on mental health
Explaining the effects of THC on the brain and psyche
Mechanism of action of THC on the brain: THC binds to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the brain, which are responsible for regulating various functions, including pain perception, memory, mood, and taste. Through this binding , THC affects signalling between cells in the brain and alters their activity.
Effects on cognitive function: Cognitive functions such as memory and concentration can be affected when THC is used. THC affects the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory, which can result in temporary memory loss and a reduced ability to learn new information.
Effects on mood and emotional state: THC can affect an individual's mood and emotional state. Some people may experience euphoria and a sense of relaxation, while others may feel anxious, paranoid or depressed. These individual reactions depend on genetic and environmental factors.
Long-term effects in chronic users: More serious long-term effects may occur with long-term THC use and excessive marijuana use. Some studies have suggested a link between excessive marijuana use and a higher risk of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, especially in people with a genetic predisposition.
Studies and research on the effect of marijuana on psychiatric problems
Meta-analysis of studies (2017): This meta-analysis included 83 studies and found that marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Especially in those who started using marijuana at a younger age and used it regularly.
Danish study (2019): This study followed more than 3 million Danes and found that people who used marijuana with higher THC content had a higher risk of seeking psychiatric care, such as hospitalization for psychosis or depression.
Study on adolescents (2020): A study conducted on adolescents showed that marijuana use in adolescence is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment.
Longitudinal study (2021): This long-term study followed a group of people from childhood to adulthood and found that those who regularly used marijuana at a younger age had a higher risk of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
Different biological aspects affecting response to THC in men and women
There are biological and hormonal factors that can affect the response to THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, in men and women.
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Body fat levels: Men typically have higher levels of body fat than women. THC is a lipophilic molecule, which means it dissolves better in fat tissue. Higher body fat levels in men may cause the effects of THC to last longer compared to women.
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Metabolism: Studies suggest that women have a faster metabolism than men. This may mean faster elimination of THC from the body and shorter duration of effects.
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Hormonal effects: Hormones such as estrogen can affect receptor sensitivity to THC. Estrogen can increase receptor sensitivity for cannabinoids, which may mean stronger effects in women during periods of higher estrogen levels, such as the menstrual cycle.
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Pain sensitivity: Some studies suggest that women may have a higher sensitivity to pain than men and THC may have analgesic effects. This could mean that women may benefit more from pain treatment with THC than men.
It is important to note that these differences are based on average statistical data and individual responses to THC may vary. Further research is needed to further understand the biological and hormonal factors influencing the response to THC in both sexes.
Men's susceptibility to psychological problems
Men are often perceived as strong and independent individuals, but they too can struggle with various psychological problems. Some studies suggest that men are at higher risk for certain psychiatric disorders than women. There are several factors that may contribute to this susceptibility.
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Socio-cultural factors: traditional gender roles and societal expectations can affect men's mental health. Stigmatization of emotions and pressure to feign strength and independence can prevent men from seeking support and treatment.
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Biological factors: Hormonal differences between men and women may play a role in their susceptibility to certain disorders. For example, studies show that men have a higher risk of developing addiction to alcohol and other addictive substances.
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Stress and trauma: Men may be more exposed to high-risk situations such as war service, physical danger and work pressures, which may increase their susceptibility to psychological problems. In addition, men may tend to repress emotions and stress, which can lead to a build-up of problems.
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Lack of support and self-confidence: men often face pressure to be strong and independent, which can make it difficult to seek support and share emotions. Lack of support and low self-esteem can contribute to a greater risk of psychological problems.
Studies of gender differences
Although many positive and medically beneficial discoveries have been made and confirmed about cannabis, there are still concerns about the lasting effects of cannabis on the brain.
In the 1980s, scientists conducted an experiment that studied cannabis use in approximately 45,000 men aged 18. The 35-year study regularly checked the men's marijuana intake, particularly in smokers whose tests confirmed some type of psychiatric disorder.
The results were interesting, Men who smoked marijuana were 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed as schizophrenic than those who did not smoke marijuana. Men who smoked cannabis regularly, defined as more than 50 times in 15 years, were six times more likely to develop schizophrenia than an occasional smoker.
This was the first revolutionary discovery to show a link between mental illness and cannabis use.
Dr. Paul Galdas and Dr. Holly Essex, the lead researchers in this study, said the ratio is 2:1 male to female, but will likely increase to 4:1.
It is possible that mental health services and specialist drug treatment services, which have a disproportionate number of men, are identifying and treating more men with combined mental health and cannabis problems.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, researchers are still unsure why men are more affected. A small number of studies say that gender makes these differences, however we are still in the process of understanding how gender affects the outcomes of cannabis psychosis.
Men seem to be more prolific smokers than women. Some argue that smoking marijuana was and still is a social stigma for women, which has led to fewer female smokers. This is also the underlying idea that younger men are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, including the desire to try illegal substances.
These assumptions may be useful for speculating why cannabis psychosis occurs more in men than in women, purely based on statistical data.
At present, we still do not have enough evidence to determine why men are more prone to cannabis psychosis than women, but according to Mr Hamilton, it seems clear that "gender matters".
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This article is for informational purposes only and provides general information about the possible increased susceptibility of men to psychological problems due to smoking marijuana.