Gender influences on cannabis use among treatment-seeking adults: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Gender differences in cannabis use, related harms, and in the development and progression of cannabis use disorder have been reported. Better understanding and identifying why these differences exist is important in developing and tailoring prevention and treatment approaches. Methods This qualitative interview study explored influences of gender on cannabis use trajectories. Twenty-three adults (10 cisgender women, 12 cisgender men, 1 non-binary person) who had received treatment for cannabis-related problems were asked about the relationship between their gender and cannabis experiences. Results Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop five themes. First, many participants seemingly did not perceive a strong relationship between their gender and cannabis use. Second, men’s cannabis use was impacted by masculinity facilitating the initiation and escalation of use, while simultaneously acting as a barrier to seeking treatment. Third, men’s motivations for using cannabis were almost always reported to be recreational, which is likely linked to men’s use being more normative. Fourth, almost all women reportedly used cannabis to cope, especially with mental health problems. Fifth, social relationships and gender dynamics constrained women’s cannabis use, particularly where many felt pressured into seeking treatment due to increased stigma for women who use cannabis. Conclusions Our findings revealed gender differences in cannabis use trajectories, including treatment seeking, barriers, and facilitators, emphasizing the importance of developing gender-specific approaches for reducing cannabis-related harms.