How CBD affects your body's natural cannabinoids differently in men vs women

This groundbreaking study reveals that low doses of CBD affect men and women differently when it comes to the body's own endocannabinoid system. Researchers examined how commercially available CBD doses influence plasma levels of anandamide (AEA)—often called the "bliss molecule"—along with related compounds N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA) in occasional cannabis users. While CBD is widely consumed for wellness purposes, the mechanisms by which it interacts with our body's natural cannabinoid system have remained unclear, particularly at the low doses typically found in consumer products.

The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how CBD works in real-world, non-therapeutic contexts. By studying the acute effects of market-available CBD doses on these important signaling molecules, the study provides insight into CBD's complex interactions with endocannabinoid enzymes and receptors. The sex-specific differences discovered suggest that men and women may experience CBD's effects differently at the biological level, which has important implications for personalized cannabis use and product development. This finding challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to CBD consumption and highlights the need for more research into how individual factors influence cannabinoid effects.