CBD Reduced Anxiety and Depression Symptoms More Than THC in Underrepresented Groups

What the researchers found

Participants using CBD showed greater decreases in DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) scores compared to THC users over 4 weeks. The effect was moderated by perceived discrimination: at average and high discrimination levels, both CBD and THC reduced symptoms, but CBD showed a stronger effect. No effects on alcohol use were observed for either cannabinoid.

Why it matters

This is one of the first randomized studies to examine cannabinoid effects specifically in populations that face discrimination and are underrepresented in cannabis research. The finding that CBD outperformed THC for emotional symptoms, particularly among those experiencing discrimination, has equity implications for cannabis recommendations.

The numbers in context

N = 172 (62% female, mean age 30.2). CBD group: n = 56. THC group: n = 96. Non-use group: n = 20. CBD showed greater DASS decreases than THC over time. Discrimination moderation significant for CBD vs THC comparison. No effects on drinking days.

How the study worked

Randomized study assigning 172 participants from underrepresented groups to no cannabis, THC cannabis, or CBD cannabis conditions. Legal market products were used ad libitum. DASS scores and drinking days were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The Perceived Discrimination Scale moderated analyses. PROCESS macro was used for mediation and moderation.

What this study cannot tell us

Small non-use control group (n = 20) limits comparisons. Ad libitum dosing means actual doses varied widely. Four-week follow-up is relatively short. Self-report measures of discrimination and symptoms are subjective. The study cannot determine whether participants would have sought these products independently.

How to read the evidence

Randomized design with legal market products and underrepresented populations. Moderate evidence given the small control group and short follow-up period.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

Most cannabis research has been conducted in predominantly white populations. This study fills an important gap by examining effects in racially, ethnically, and gender-diverse participants. The role of perceived discrimination as a moderator suggests that social context shapes how cannabinoids affect mental health.

Questions still open

• Would CBD show similar benefits in a longer trial? Does perceived discrimination alter the neurobiology of cannabinoid effects, or does it simply reflect greater symptom burden at baseline?

Common questions

Read the original research

Effects of Cannabinoids on Emotional States and Alcohol Use Among Underrepresented Groups: Moderation by Perceived Discrimination.

Human psychopharmacology, 40(5), e70016

Citation

Martin-Willett, Renée; Skrzynski, Carillon J; Bryan, Angela D; Bidwell, L Cinnamon. (2025). Effects of Cannabinoids on Emotional States and Alcohol Use Among Underrepresented Groups: Moderation by Perceived Discrimination.. Human psychopharmacology, 40(5), e70016. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.70016

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