Sex Differences in the Anxiolytic Properties of Common Cannabis Terpenes in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Wagner Jasmin K., Gambell Ella, Gibbons Tucker, Martin Thomas J., Kaplan Joshua S.
Primary Institution: Western Washington University
Hypothesis
Do common cannabis terpenes, linalool and β-myrcene, have different anxiolytic effects in male and female mice?
Conclusion
The study found that linalool and β-myrcene have sex-dependent anxiolytic effects in mice, with different exposure durations required for males and females.
Supporting Evidence
- Linalool increased the open/closed ratio and number of open arm entries in female mice.
- β-myrcene increased the open/closed ratio and number of open arm entries in females.
- Male mice showed reduced anxiety-like behavior with short exposure to linalool and β-myrcene.
Takeaway
This study shows that the effects of certain cannabis compounds can be different for boys and girls, and how long you use them matters.
Methodology
The study used male and female mice to test the effects of linalool and β-myrcene on anxiety through vapor exposure and behavioral assessments.
Potential Biases
Variability in baseline performance in vehicle-treated male mice may affect results.
Limitations
The study only tested anxiety behavior using the elevated plus maze and did not include a non-anxiolytic terpene as a control.
Participant Demographics
78 male and 86 female C57BL/6J mice were used in the experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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