Can Medical Cannabis Help With Anxiety Disorders? A Systematic Review of 57 Studies | Research

The takeaway

Among the highest-quality studies, 70% reported positive outcomes for anxiety disorders treated with medicinal cannabis, though reporting standards remain inconsistent.

People exploring cannabis-based options for diagnosed anxiety disorders, and anyone trying to understand the current state of evidence.

70% of the highest-quality studies reported positive outcomes

What the researchers found

This review examined 57 studies on medicinal cannabis for diagnosed anxiety disorders. Among the 13 highest-quality studies, 9 (70%) reported improvements in conditions including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD. Four high-quality studies found negative results for OCD, trichotillomania, test anxiety, and social anxiety disorder. Over 90% of all studies, including lower-quality ones, reported positive outcomes for both CBD and THC-based preparations.

Why it matters

Anxiety disorder diagnoses are rising, and many people seek alternatives to standard medications. This review is one of the few that focuses exclusively on diagnosed anxiety disorders rather than general anxiety symptoms, providing a clearer picture of where cannabis-based treatments show the most promise.

The numbers in context

57 studies met inclusion criteria. Study breakdown: 40% cohort (n=23), 30% RCTs (n=17), 18% cross-sectional (n=10), 12% qualitative/other (n=7). Mean bias score: 62.9 out of 100. 53% of studies either omitted or relied on self-reported dosage data.

How the study worked

Systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycInfo databases (searched October-December 2023). Included peer-reviewed studies on adults 18+ with diagnosed anxiety disorders. Excluded case series, case studies, reviews, and recreational cannabis studies. Used MASTER and QualSyst tools to assess bias risk.

What this study cannot tell us

High risk of bias across studies (mean score 62.9/100). Over half of studies had inadequate reporting of cannabis form and dosage. Database search limited to October-December 2023. Heterogeneity in study designs makes direct comparisons difficult.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: systematic review with broad scope, but high heterogeneity and risk of bias across included studies.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, with literature search through December 2023.

The bigger picture

The generally positive findings are tempered by widespread methodological issues. More than half of all studies failed to adequately document cannabis form or dosage, making it difficult to determine which products, at what doses, produce the best outcomes for specific anxiety disorders.

Questions still open

Which specific cannabis formulations work best for each anxiety disorder?
What are the optimal dosing protocols for anxiety treatment?
Do long-term benefits persist, or does tolerance develop?

Common questions

Does cannabis help with anxiety disorders?

Among the highest-quality studies reviewed, 70% reported improvements in conditions like GAD, social anxiety, and PTSD. However, results varied by disorder, with less positive findings for OCD and trichotillomania.

Is CBD or THC better for anxiety?

This review found that over 90% of studies reported positive outcomes for both CBD and THC-based preparations, but the poor reporting of dosage information across studies makes it hard to draw firm conclusions about which is more effective.

Read the original research

Medicinal cannabis in the management of anxiety disorders: A systematic review.

Psychiatry research, 350, 116552

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Roberts, Leah; Sorial, Elizabeth; Budgeon, Charley A; Lee, Kenneth; Preen, David B; Cumming, Craig. (2025). Medicinal cannabis in the management of anxiety disorders: A systematic review.. Psychiatry research, 350, 116552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116552