When Heavy Users Quit Cannabis, Symptoms Show Up Fast and Ease Within Two Weeks ↗
Stopping heavy cannabis use was linked to withdrawal that began within 1–3 days, peaked in Days 2–6, and typically resolved by two weeks.
Anxiety research
Explore published research on anxiety, including study methods and limitations.
Mental Health Problems in Ecstasy Users: Was It Actually the Cannabis? ↗
Combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study finding that psychiatric symptoms in ecstasy users were predominantly attributable to cannabis use, not ecstasy, with cessation of cannabis but not ecstasy predicting symptom remission.
Review of Cannabis Health Risks: Psychosis Link Strong, Withdrawal Syndrome Real, Gateway Theory Debated ↗
Comprehensive review found strong evidence linking cannabis to psychosis, supported the existence of cannabis withdrawal syndrome, and called for more rigorous research on prevention and treatment.
Blocking Endocannabinoid Breakdown Could Treat Anxiety, Cancer, and Neurodegenerative Diseases ↗
Review identifies FAAH and MAGL enzymes as key therapeutic targets. Blocking endocannabinoid breakdown could treat anxiety, cancer, and neurodegeneration by boosting the body's own cannabinoid system.
Review of Nicotine and Cannabis Interactions: Reinforcement May Be Enhanced When Used Together ↗
Review of nicotine-cannabis interactions found co-use may enhance reinforcing and anxiolytic effects while having opposite effects on appetite and cognition, with adolescent co-use being a major concern.
National Survey Identifies Five Distinct Patterns of Drug Abuse, With Cannabis-Only Being the Most Common ↗
National survey of 43,093 Americans identified five drug abuse patterns, with cannabis-only (5.8%) being the most common and mildest, while polysubstance (0.5%) was linked to the most severe psychiatric profiles.
Monthly Cannabis Use Didn't Undermine Anxiety and Depression Treatment in This Clinical Trial ↗
A clinical trial found that monthly cannabis users responded just as well to combined CBT and medication treatment for anxiety and depression as non-users.
Cannabis both calms and panics — the biphasic dose-response explains why the same drug produces opposite anxiety effects ↗
Frequent use and anxiety often appear together, but this 2009 review could not pin down cause and effect.
THC Increased Anxiety and Brain Fear Responses While CBD Reduced Them ↗
In 15 men, THC increased anxiety and skin conductance responses to fearful faces, while CBD reduced amygdala activation and autonomic arousal, demonstrating opposite emotional processing effects.
Buspirone Showed Modest Promise for Treating Marijuana Dependence in a Small Trial ↗
In a 12-week trial of 50 marijuana-dependent participants, buspirone showed a non-significant trend toward more negative drug tests overall, but a significant effect among those who completed treatment.
CBD Disrupted the Brain Fear Circuit Connection That Normally Amplifies Anxiety ↗
CBD disrupted the forward neural connection between the amygdala and anterior cingulate during fear processing, the first demonstration that CBD affects brain network dynamics, not just regional activation.
THC Withdrawal Caused Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice for the First Time ↗
For the first time, THC withdrawal was shown to produce anxiety-like behavior in mice on the elevated plus-maze, without affecting motor activity, establishing an animal model for cannabis withdrawal anxiety.
A single dose of CBD brought social anxiety patients' public speaking anxiety down to the level of people without anxiety disorders ↗
600 mg CBD normalized public speaking anxiety in social phobia patients to healthy control levels — no sedation, no cognitive impairment. The foundational CBD anxiety study.
General anxiety in teens predicted later substance use, but social phobia appeared to protect against it ↗
In Finnish teens, general anxiety predicted later substance use (via depression), while social phobia appeared to protect against persistent alcohol use.
Both endocannabinoid-boosting drugs reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice without the sedation caused by THC ↗
Endocannabinoid-boosting drugs (FAAH and MAGL inhibitors) reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice without sedation, while THC only worked at sedating doses.
Female adolescent rats were more sensitive to THC withdrawal anxiety than males ↗
Female adolescent rats showed greater locomotor depression and anxiety during THC withdrawal compared to males across multiple doses.
CB1 blocker reversed anxiety from stress hormones and cocaine withdrawal in rats ↗
CB1 antagonist reversed anxiety from stress hormones and cocaine withdrawal in rats through brain mechanisms independent of the hormonal stress axis.
Direct comparison: oral THC caused anxiety and psychotic symptoms while CBD had no measurable effects ↗
In the same 16 men, oral THC caused anxiety, psychotic symptoms, and sedation, while 600 mg CBD was indistinguishable from placebo.
Social Anxiety May Drive Cannabis Problems in People With Schizotypy Traits ↗
College students with schizotypy traits and higher social anxiety used cannabis more frequently and reported more cannabis-related problems than those without social anxiety.
New Chemical Compounds Can Precisely Target the Brain's Cannabis-Processing Enzymes ↗
A new class of chemical compounds can selectively block endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes in the brain, potentially offering pain and mood benefits without full psychoactive effects.
Cannabis-Dependent Young People Seeking Help Usually Have Multiple Mental Health Conditions ↗
Young people seeking treatment for cannabis dependence typically had multiple psychiatric diagnoses, especially anxiety disorders like PTSD and social phobia.
Systematic Review: What CBD Does (and Does Not) Do in Humans ↗
Systematic review of 34 human studies found preliminary CBD benefits for anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy, with complex THC interactions depending on delivery route.
Pregabalin and Topiramate Reduced Anxiety and Motor Symptoms During Cannabis Withdrawal in Mice ↗
Pregabalin and topiramate both reduced anxiety and motor symptoms during cannabinoid withdrawal in mice while reversing brain gene expression changes.
How Endocannabinoid Enzyme Inhibitors Are Revealing the Different Roles of Anandamide and 2-AG ↗
Review detailed how enzyme-specific inhibitors revealed different roles for anandamide and 2-AG in pain, anxiety, and addiction, guiding therapeutic development.
Adolescent Cannabis Use Predicts Anxiety, Depression, and Psychosis More Strongly Than Adult Use ↗
Review found adolescent cannabis use predicts anxiety, depression, and psychosis more strongly than adult use, with earlier initiation increasing risk.
CBD-Enriched Cannabis Was Among Promising Plant-Based Medicines for Anxiety Disorders ↗
Comprehensive review identified CBD-enriched cannabis among 21 plant medicines with clinical anxiety evidence, alongside kava, chamomile, passionflower, and others.
Comprehensive review of CBD for epilepsy, anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction ↗
Landmark review found CBD showed anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and anti-addictive properties but lacked well-powered trials, setting the stage for the clinical program that led to FDA approval.
Chronic Cannabis Use Altered Brain Networks Involved in Self-Awareness ↗
Heavy cannabis users showed altered connectivity in self-awareness brain networks, linked to less anxiety but worse memory, that partially persisted after one month of abstinence.
2-AG Was the Key Endocannabinoid Regulating Stress Hormone Recovery in Mice ↗
Mouse study identified 2-AG as the primary endocannabinoid regulating stress hormone recovery, with sex differences in timing and compensatory mechanisms when CB1 signaling is absent.
81% of Adults with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Reported Marijuana Use ↗
Survey of 514 CVS patients found 81% used marijuana, reporting symptom improvement. Hot showers were used by 67%, more commonly among marijuana users but not exclusively.
Adding an Antidepressant to Therapy Did Not Help People Quit Cannabis ↗
Double-blind trial of 52 cannabis-dependent users found escitalopram (SSRI) added to CBT did not improve abstinence rates (19% overall), anxiety, or depression compared to placebo.
Reducing cannabis use was linked to less anxiety and better functioning in people with early psychosis ↗
In 110 people with early psychosis and cannabis dependence, reducing cannabis was linked to lower anxiety and better functioning, but not to changes in core psychotic symptoms.
CBD and Anxiety in 2015: Promising Signals, Mostly From Single Doses ↗
2015 review: CBD was linked to lower anxiety in acute tests. Long-term treatment evidence in diagnosed patients was thin.
Intravenous THC caused paranoia in vulnerable individuals by increasing negative emotions and unusual experiences ↗
In 121 paranoia-prone individuals, intravenous THC increased paranoid thoughts through heightened negative emotions and anomalous experiences, not through cognitive impairment.
Cannabinoid Treatment During Late Adolescence Reversed the Cognitive Damage From Early Life Stress in Rats ↗
Cannabinoid treatment during late adolescence reversed cognitive deficits and reduced anxiety caused by early life stress in rats, with sex-specific differences in brain receptor changes.
One in Five Canadians With MS Uses Cannabis, and Half Would Use It If Legal ↗
A survey of 225 Canadian MS patients found 19.5% currently use cannabis (mainly for sleep, pain, anxiety, spasticity), with half saying they would use if legal.
Cannabis Use Was Strongly Linked to Social Anxiety Among People With Gender Dysphoria ↗
Among 210 people with gender dysphoria, 31.4% had social anxiety disorder, with current cannabis use nearly quadrupling the odds in multivariable analysis.
Large Prospective Study Finds Cannabis Use Is Not Linked to Most Anxiety Disorders ↗
A 3-year prospective study of the US population found cannabis use was not associated with increased risk of developing anxiety disorders, though people with panic disorder were more likely to start using cannabis.
Generalized Anxiety in Teens Was the Strongest Predictor of Starting Cannabis Use ↗
Among 2,508 Chilean teens, generalized anxiety was the only mental health symptom that independently predicted both starting cannabis use and using more frequently over 18 months.
THC-induced anxiety in humans is linked to CB1 receptor density in the amygdala ↗
THC-induced anxiety in healthy men was directly correlated with CB1 receptor density in the amygdala, providing the first human evidence linking individual brain chemistry to vulnerability to cannabis anxiety.
A pesticide that disrupts the endocannabinoid system made developing rat pups less anxious ↗
Low-dose pesticide exposure during rat development elevated endocannabinoid levels and decreased anxiety-like behavior, even at doses below traditional neurotoxicity thresholds.
46% of cannabis users reported replacing their prescription medications — mostly opioids, anxiety meds, and antidepressants ↗
Nearly half of 2,774 cannabis users reported substituting cannabis for prescription drugs — opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants most commonly replaced. Medical users were 5x more likely to substitute.
Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Disorders: What the Research Shows About Dual Diagnoses ↗
Narrative review finding substantial evidence linking cannabis to psychosis and other drug use, mixed evidence for depression and anxiety, with adolescent onset carrying the greatest psychiatric risk.
Boosting the Brain's Own Cannabis-Like Chemical Anandamide Reduced Panic-Like Behavior in Mice ↗
Mouse study showing that boosting anandamide (via FAAH inhibition) reduced panic-like flight responses while boosting 2-AG (via MAGL inhibition) increased them, revealing distinct roles for the two endocannabinoids.
How Sex Hormones Shape the Endocannabinoid System's Response to Alcohol Withdrawal ↗
Animal study revealing sex-specific endocannabinoid system responses to alcohol withdrawal, with males showing anxiety and neurochemical disruption while females were protected by ovarian hormones.
What Predicts Whether Problematic Cannabis Use Persists, Stops, or Starts Later in Life ↗
20-year cohort study of 1,229 people identifying distinct risk profiles for persistent (6.7%), limited (13.3%), and delayed (3.7%) problematic cannabis use, with anxiety predicting persistence and childhood trauma predicting late onset.
Reducing Cannabis Use Improved Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep But Not Overall Quality of Life ↗
Study of 302 adults finding that reducing cannabis use over 12 weeks improved anxiety, depression, and sleep quality but not overall quality of life, with effects independent of other substance use changes.
Two Peptides From the Endocannabinoid System Had Opposite Effects on Anxiety and Depression in Rats ↗
Rat study showing two hemoglobin-derived peptides had opposite effects on the endocannabinoid system: hemopressin caused anxiety and depression-like behavior while RVD-hemopressin produced anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
How the Brain's Endocannabinoid System Controls Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide ↗
Comprehensive review of how endocannabinoids modulate anxiety through multiple brain regions, receptors, and mechanisms, explaining why cannabis can both reduce and increase anxiety depending on context.
Most Medical Cannabis Patients Reported Reducing Their Use of Opioids, Sleep, and Anxiety Medications ↗
Survey of 1,513 medical cannabis patients found over 75% reduced opioid use and 65-72% reduced sleep and anxiety medications, though their primary care doctors often did not know.
Cannabis for PTSD: Promising Biology, Very Little Proof It Actually Works as Treatment ↗
The biology linking the endocannabinoid system to PTSD was strong, but clinical evidence for cannabis as treatment was weak. Nabilone showed real promise for nightmares specifically.
CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties across multiple conditions ↗
Translational review of CBD research identifies established anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties with emerging evidence across epilepsy, PTSD, depression, and other conditions.
Overview of psychiatric effects of cannabinoids from acute use to chronic exposure and withdrawal ↗
Overview found cannabinoids produce dose-dependent acute effects on anxiety, mood, and cognition, with chronic use linked to tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and associations with psychiatric disorders.
Cannabis use did not significantly worsen anxiety disorder outcomes after accounting for baseline differences ↗
Population study of 3,723 people with anxiety disorders found cannabis use did not predict worse remission after adjusting for baseline differences, though cannabis use disorder linked to relationship and educational disruption.
94% of fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis reported pain relief, though most were not medically licensed ↗
Israeli survey of 383 fibromyalgia patients found 84% used cannabis with 94% reporting pain relief, though only 44% were medically licensed and most smoked rather than using other methods.
70% of people with spinal cord or brain injuries used cannabis before injury, and about half continued after ↗
Colorado survey found 70% of SCI/TBI patients used cannabis before injury and 48% after, with spasticity reduction (SCI) and recreation/stress relief (TBI) as primary reasons.
Patient surveys and chemical analysis identified specific cannabis terpenes linked to anxiety relief ↗
Chemical analysis of strains rated most and least effective for anxiety found THC and the terpene trans-nerolidol correlated with anxiety relief, while six other terpenes correlated with reduced effectiveness.
Cannabis users with high distress intolerance showed enhanced rather than impaired brain conflict-monitoring under stress ↗
EEG study found cannabis users with high distress intolerance showed enhanced brain conflict-monitoring under stress, which was linked to fewer cannabis problems, challenging the stress-impairment model of addiction.
A critical review found CBD shows promise for psychosis, anxiety, and substance withdrawal through distinct pharmacological pathways ↗
Critical review found CBD shows distinct promise for psychosis, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms, each through different pharmacological mechanisms, but needs larger controlled trials.
Negative emotional tendencies explained the link between low distress tolerance and cannabis use problems in daily users ↗
Study of 203 daily cannabis users found that the tendency to experience negative emotions explained why people with low distress tolerance have more cannabis problems, worse withdrawal, and less confidence in quitting.
Alcohol Dependence Disrupted the Brain's Natural Cannabinoid System in the Amygdala ↗
Alcohol-dependent animals had depleted endocannabinoid (2-AG) levels in the amygdala, linked to anxiety and excessive drinking. Drugs that boosted 2-AG reversed both effects.
Cancer patients in Minnesota's medical cannabis program reported significant symptom improvement across the board ↗
Cancer patients in Minnesota's medical cannabis program reported significant improvement across all 8 tracked symptoms, with 27-50% achieving lasting clinically meaningful reductions and only 10.5% reporting side effects.
A major Lancet review found little evidence that cannabinoids help mental disorders and increased side effects ↗
A Lancet meta-analysis of 83 studies found scarce evidence that cannabinoids help depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental disorders, with THC products doubling adverse event rates versus placebo.
A systematic review found limited but promising evidence for CBD in substance use, psychosis, and anxiety ↗
A systematic review of 1,301 papers found only 27 qualifying studies of CBD for psychiatric disorders, with limited but promising signals for substance use, psychosis, and anxiety.
Adolescent cannabis or THC exposure in rats did not produce lasting anxiety, depression, or cognitive effects in adulthood ↗
Adolescent cannabis smoke and THC exposure in rats produced no lasting anxiety, depression, or cognitive effects in adulthood, suggesting human associations may involve non-cannabinoid factors.
CBD shows therapeutic potential across a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders with few side effects ↗
A review found CBD shows therapeutic potential across autism, anxiety, psychosis, pain, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, with mainly diarrhea and somnolence as side effects.
Cannabis use disorder was not linked to being out of school and work among Canadian youth ↗
Study of 5,622 Canadian youth found depression, anxiety, and drug disorders linked to being out of school and work, but cannabis use disorder showed no association at all.
Adolescent cannabis use linked to 37% higher depression risk and 3.5x higher suicide attempt risk in young adulthood ↗
Meta-analysis of 23,317 individuals found adolescent cannabis use linked to 37% higher depression risk and 3.46x higher suicide attempt risk in young adulthood, even after accounting for pre-existing mental health.
Boosting endocannabinoids in the hippocampus prevented both cardiovascular and anxiety responses to stress in rats ↗
Rat study shows boosting endocannabinoids in the hippocampus prevented both the immediate cardiovascular stress response and delayed anxiety 24 hours later, both through CB1 receptor signaling.
Synthetic cannabinoid 5F-AMB reduced anxiety and impaired memory in mice through CB1 receptors ↗
Mouse study maps synthetic cannabinoid 5F-AMB's effects: anxiety reduction and memory impairment via CB1 receptors in different brain regions, with severe locomotor impairment at systemic doses.
Systematic review finds limited but promising evidence for CBD in psychiatric disorders ↗
Systematic review of CBD in psychiatry finds limited evidence for cannabis withdrawal, addiction, psychosis, and social anxiety, with few side effects.
Review examines cannabis effects across major psychiatric disorders and proposes a framework for understanding addiction risk ↗
Review finds limited support for cannabis benefits in mental illness, growing evidence of harm in psychosis and mood disorders, and proposes a framework for understanding addiction vulnerability.
CBD did not prevent THC's cognitive impairment or withdrawal in mice, but showed anxiolytic effects alone ↗
Mouse study found CBD did not prevent THC cognitive impairment or withdrawal, but CBD alone showed anxiolytic effects without cognitive harm or dependence.
Cannabis for PTSD in 2019: The Systematic Evidence Was Still Thin Despite Growing Interest ↗
Systematic review of cannabis for PTSD through 2019 found promising signals for nabilone and nightmares, but most evidence remained low-quality and the broader case unproven.
THC plus stress during adolescence impaired fear extinction in adult mice ↗
Neither THC nor stress alone caused lasting anxiety-like brain changes, but the combination during adolescence impaired fear extinction in adult mice.
Cannabis use frequency, cognitive self-perception, and anxiety are the strongest predictors of use disorder severity in young adults ↗
In young adult regular cannabis users, the strongest predictors of use disorder severity were use frequency, beliefs about cannabis impairing cognition, perceived cognitive deficits, and anxiety.
CBD and its precursor CBDA had different anti-anxiety effects in mice ↗
Mouse study found CBD reduced conditioned fear while CBDA reduced generalized anxiety after trauma, suggesting complementary therapeutic roles.
Review finds weak but suggestive evidence for cannabinoids in anxiety and PTSD, with depression potentially worsened by cannabis ↗
A review found suggestive evidence that CBD may reduce anxiety and fear responses in PTSD, but cannabis use may worsen depression. Well-designed randomized trials remain largely absent across these conditions.
Review maps CBD's diverse molecular targets including serotonin, TRPV1, and cannabinoid receptors ↗
A review found CBD acts on diverse molecular targets including serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, TRPV1 channels, and cannabinoid receptors, explaining its broad therapeutic profile across anxiety, pain, and epilepsy.
Inhaled cannabis vapor lowered heart rate and blood pressure but increased anxiety-like behavior in mice ↗
Mouse inhalation study found vaporized cannabis (10.3% THC) decreased heart rate and blood pressure while promoting anxiety-like behavior and altering brain activation patterns.
Review explores whether terpenes combined with cannabinoids could treat mood and anxiety disorders ↗
Review examines the theoretical basis for combining cannabis terpenes with cannabinoids to treat mood and anxiety disorders, finding preclinical support but limited clinical evidence.
Frequent cannabis use in Ontario youth was linked to both internalizing and externalizing symptoms, especially in girls ↗
Ontario study found frequent cannabis use in youth aged 12-17 was associated with elevated anxiety, depression, and behavioral symptoms, with associations 2-3 times stronger in girls than boys.
Boosting endocannabinoids reduced fear in traumatized rats through CB2 receptors, not CB1 ↗
Rat study found endocannabinoid-boosting drugs reduced persistent fear after predator stress through CB2 (not CB1) receptors, with CB2 gene expression upregulated in the prefrontal cortex by stress.
First human lab study tested cannabinoids for OCD symptoms ↗
Small RCT with 14 OCD patients found no significant symptom reduction from acute smoked cannabis (THC or CBD) versus placebo, though CBD showed a trend toward reduced anxiety.
Systematic review of CBD for mental health conditions found mixed but promising signals ↗
Systematic review of 23 studies found CBD most promising for anxiety and as adjunct treatment for psychosis, with limited evidence for depression and PTSD.
Systematic review of CBD doses and effects in 927 adults across 25 studies ↗
Systematic review of 25 CBD studies (927 patients) found the best evidence for anxiety and psychosis, with wide dosing variation and generally mild side effects.
Cannabis use disorder alters how the brain connects stress responses to emotional processing ↗
fMRI study found cannabis use disorder altered brain connectivity between emotion and stress circuits, with stronger amygdala-hypothalamus signaling correlated to perceived stress.
Emotion dysregulation may explain why cannabis problems lead to worse mental health in chronic pain patients ↗
Study of 431 chronic pain patients found emotion dysregulation explained the link between cannabis use problems and anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
CBD disrupted fear memory formation through different brain receptors depending on timing after the event ↗
Rat study found CBD disrupted fear memory consolidation within a 1-hour window, using CB1/CB2 receptors immediately but PPARγ receptors at the 1-hour mark.
THC and CBD had opposing effects on how people read emotions in faces, but evidence is limited ↗
Systematic review found THC impaired facial emotion recognition in half of experiments while CBD improved it, with opposing brain activation for threatening faces.
First clinically-focused systematic review found CBD promising for social anxiety and possibly schizophrenia, but evidence is embryonic ↗
First clinically-focused systematic review found CBD tentatively supported for social anxiety and adjunctive schizophrenia, with high-THC showing no depression benefit.
Amygdala hyper-reactivity at age 14 predicted cannabis use 5 years later in a dose-response fashion ↗
IMAGEN study found right amygdala hyper-reactivity at age 14 predicted cannabis use at 19 in a dose-response pattern, with cannabis exposure altering normal amygdala development.
Medical cannabis significantly improved severe, treatment-resistant OCD in a 22-year-old man ↗
Case of severe treatment-resistant OCD markedly improving with medicinal cannabis, adding to 3 total case reports supporting a cannabinoid hypothesis of OCD.
Endocannabinoid drugs reduced anxiety but did not erase fear memories in a rat PTSD model ↗
A CB1 agonist reduced anxiety but not conditioned fear in rats modeling PTSD, suggesting endocannabinoid drugs may help with PTSD-related anxiety without erasing fear memories.
CBD reduced the rewarding effects and anxiety from the synthetic stimulant MDPV in mice, with complex results ↗
CBD reduced the rewarding and anxiety-producing effects of the bath salt MDPV in mice, but unexpectedly increased drug-seeking in high-responding mice, revealing complex interactions.
CBD Raised Citalopram Blood Levels by 50% in Anxiety Patients — a Drug Interaction That Needs Attention ↗
Adding CBD (200-800 mg/day) to stable SSRI treatment increased citalopram blood levels by ~50% in anxiety patients — a clinically significant drug interaction.
Boosting endocannabinoids reduced anxiety and depression from meth withdrawal in mice ↗
URB597, which boosts natural endocannabinoids, prevented anxiety and depression in mice during methamphetamine withdrawal through CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 receptor pathways.
First 129 UK medical cannabis patients showed improved quality of life at 1 and 3 months ↗
The first 129 patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry showed significant improvements in anxiety, sleep, pain, and quality of life at 1 and 3 months, with 24% reporting adverse events.
Cannabis oil improved pain, anxiety, and depression in 17 patients with burning mouth syndrome ↗
Pilot study of 17 burning mouth syndrome patients found cannabis oil improved pain, anxiety, and depression over 4 weeks, with benefits lasting through 24-week follow-up.
CB1 and CB2 receptors in a brain anxiety region had opposite effects on anxiety in rats ↗
Rat study found CB1 and CB2 receptors in a key anxiety brain region (BNST) have opposite effects: blocking CB1 reduced anxiety while blocking CB2 increased it.
CBD improved depression, anxiety, and substance abuse in an adolescent who failed antidepressants ↗
Case report of a teenager with multiple substance addictions and depression who improved across all domains after switching from antidepressants to CBD, including quitting all illegal drugs.
Continued cannabis use during pregnancy associated with higher anxiety and depression scores ↗
A study of 604 pregnant women found continued cannabis use was associated with higher anxiety and depression scores, and women with more depression symptoms were nearly 3 times more likely to keep using rather than quit.
CBD's brain protection after ischemia involved multiple receptor types in mice ↗
CBD prevented anxiety, memory loss, and depressive behavior after brain ischemia in mice, working through four different receptor systems including CB1, CB2, serotonin, and PPAR-gamma.
How common is it to have both cannabis use disorder and depression or anxiety? ↗
Meta-analysis of 8 national surveys finds cannabis use disorder is associated with 3x higher odds of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
How effective is CBD-rich treatment for pain, anxiety, and depression in real patients? ↗
Real-world study of 279 patients finds CBD-rich treatment significantly improves pain, anxiety, and depression at 3 months, but only in those with moderate-to-severe symptoms.
Does maternal cannabis use affect the placenta and child anxiety? ↗
PNAS study links maternal cannabis use to suppressed placental immune genes, elevated cortisol, and increased anxiety and hyperactivity in children aged 3-6.
Why are Florida patients using medical marijuana and is it working? ↗
Survey of 157 Florida medical marijuana patients finds anxiety and pain are top uses, with 65% reducing or stopping other medications.
Low-Dose THC Reduced Anxiety in Female Rats but Not Males — and CBD Blocked the Anxious Response at Higher Doses ↗
Female rats showed biphasic THC anxiety responses that males didn't — anxiolytic at low doses, anxiogenic at high. CBD blocked the anxiety and enhanced the calm.
Too Little Evidence to Recommend Cannabis for Depression, Anxiety, or PTSD ↗
Systematic review found only 8 small RCTs testing cannabinoids for depression, anxiety, or PTSD, with insufficient evidence to recommend cannabis for any of these conditions.
Mice exposed to CBD during development showed increased anxiety and widespread brain DNA changes as adults ↗
First study of developmental CBD exposure found mice exposed in utero and during nursing showed increased anxiety and thousands of brain DNA methylation changes as adults, despite known benefits of direct CBD exposure.
Review of medicinal cannabis for anxiety finds CBD has anxiolytic evidence while THC effects are mixed ↗
A review finds CBD has evidence for reducing anxiety, but THC effects are mixed. Despite limited evidence, anxiety cannabis prescriptions are rising rapidly in Australia.
Open-label trial finds CBD reduced anxiety by 43% in young people who did not respond to standard treatment ↗
An open-label trial of 31 young people with treatment-resistant anxiety found 12 weeks of add-on CBD (up to 800 mg/day) reduced anxiety severity by 42.6%.
Endocannabinoid 2-AG reduces fear and anxiety in rats through CB1 and CB2 receptors in a key brain defense region ↗
Boosting the endocannabinoid 2-AG in a brain defense region reduced fear and anxiety in rats through both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Survey of 258 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women finds 79% using cannabis for menopause symptoms, especially sleep and anxiety ↗
A survey of 258 menopausal women found 79% using cannabis for symptoms, most commonly sleep and anxiety, with perimenopausal women reporting worse symptoms and more anxiety-motivated use.
Open-label trial finds full-spectrum CBD reduced anxiety significantly within one week, with cognitive improvements ↗
An open-label trial of full-spectrum CBD in 14 anxiety patients showed rapid response within one week, with improvements in anxiety, cognition, mood, and sleep over 4 weeks.
Large longitudinal study finds cannabis use predicts increasing anxiety, but anxious people actually reduce their cannabis use ↗
A study of 2,995 young adults found cannabis use predicted increasing anxiety over time, while anxious individuals actually reduced their cannabis use, challenging the self-medication hypothesis.
Cannabis-based medicines improved quality of life for autism patients in UK registry ↗
UK registry data showed 74 ASD patients had significant improvements in quality of life, sleep, and anxiety after starting cannabis-based medicines.
Broad-spectrum cannabis oil reversed fibromyalgia-like symptoms in mice ↗
Low-THC broad-spectrum cannabis oil reversed pain, thermal sensitivity, and depression in a mouse fibromyalgia model at doses as low as 0.1 mg/kg.
Veterans who co-use tobacco and cannabis have worse mental health symptoms ↗
Survey of 1,230 veterans found those who co-used tobacco and cannabis had significantly higher stress, PTSD, depression, and anxiety than single-substance users.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia improved sleep, mood, and reduced cannabis use ↗
Pilot study showed CBT for insomnia resolved sleep problems in cannabis users, with 80% reducing cannabis use at 3 months and sustained improvements in mood.
Cannabis flower with balanced THC and CBD produced less anxiety and paranoia than THC-only strains ↗
Trial found cannabis flower with balanced THC:CBD produced similar positive effects but significantly less anxiety and paranoia than THC-dominant flower.
Antidepressants may be less effective in adolescents who regularly use cannabis ↗
Review argues antidepressants are likely less effective in cannabis-using teens, based on overlapping neurochemical pathways, but no clinical trials have tested this directly.
Veterans with PTSD who use cannabis frequently have more depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts ↗
Among 608 US veterans with PTSD, frequent cannabis users were 3-4x more likely to have depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, and 8-12x more likely to rely on avoidance coping.
Cannabis with equal THC and CBD causes less anxiety than THC alone, especially in calm users ↗
Cannabis with equal THC and CBD caused less anxiety than THC alone. CBD fully blocked THC anxiety in calm users but not in those with high baseline anxiety.
Anxiety is the top reason patients use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania ↗
Anxiety was the top reason for medical cannabis use among 207 Pennsylvania patients, with 95% reporting no side effects and more than half reporting improvement.
CBD shows most promise for psychosis and anxiety, but clinical evidence remains thin across all psychiatric disorders ↗
Only 16 controlled studies exist for CBD in psychiatric disorders. Most promising evidence for psychosis and anxiety, but not enough for clinical recommendations in any condition.
High social anxiety in childhood predicted cannabis use in early adulthood ↗
Following 701 people from age 10 to 22, high social anxiety trajectories predicted adult cannabis use (but not alcohol) along with dramatically elevated mental health disorder risk.
CBD-Melatonin Compound Improved Sleep, Anxiety, and Pain in Small Pilot Study ↗
Small pilot study of 20 patients found a CBD-melatonin sublingual compound improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and decreased pain over 3 months, but lacked a control group.
Gender Differences Exist in Cannabis-Related Psychiatric Disorders, but Direction Varies ↗
Review confirmed gender differences exist in cannabis-related psychosis, depression, and anxiety, but the direction varies. Women may be more vulnerable to mood effects; men may show stronger psychosis links.
First Survey of CBG Users: Most Reported It Worked Better Than Conventional Medications ↗
First CBG patient survey found users reported it effective for anxiety (51%), pain (41%), and depression (33%), with 74-80% rating it superior to conventional medications and 44% reporting no side effects.
UK Medical Cannabis Registry Shows Improved Health in First 678 Patients ↗
UK's first medical cannabis registry enrolled 678 patients (mostly chronic pain and anxiety). Preliminary 3-month data showed significant self-reported health improvement with moderate-to-large effect size.
Systematic review of 58 CBD trials found it works for anxiety but has inconsistent results for other conditions ↗
Systematic review of 58 CBD trials found consistent anxiolytic effects but highly variable results for psychosis, substance use, and other non-seizure conditions.
CBD Shows Therapeutic Benefits Starting at 300 mg, With Strongest Evidence for Anxiety and Addiction ↗
Review found CBD therapeutic effects emerge at 300+ mg/day, with best evidence for anxiety and addiction. Most OTC products fall below this threshold.
Teens with PTSD or anxiety experienced greater positive mood boost from cannabis use ↗
Real-time tracking of 62 psychiatrically hospitalized teens found cannabis use boosted positive mood and reduced anger, with stronger effects in youth with PTSD or anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders drive most of Australia's 300,000 medical cannabis prescriptions for psychiatric conditions ↗
Australia's ~300,000 medical cannabis approvals showed one-third were for psychiatric conditions, dominated by anxiety disorders, often for conditions with limited clinical evidence.
No high-quality evidence supports cannabis for anxiety, depression, or insomnia in cancer patients ↗
MASCC systematic review of 15 RCTs found no high-quality evidence for cannabis treating anxiety, depression, or insomnia in cancer, though sleep showed some promise.
What New Medical Cannabis Patients Say After One Month: Most Report It Helps Their Chronic Pain ↗
After one month, 63% of new medical cannabis patients reported effective pain relief, plus reduced medication use, less anxiety, and better sleep — though finding the right product was a common struggle.
Review Finds Strongest Clinical Evidence for Purified CBD in Anxiety, Psychosis, PTSD, and Substance Abuse ↗
A review of purified CBD clinical trials found the strongest evidence for anxiety (17 RCTs), psychosis (8 RCTs), PTSD (4 RCTs), and substance abuse (3 RCTs), but not for pain or sleep.
Weekly Cannabis Use Was Linked to Greater Social Anxiety Severity and Suicide Risk in a National Sample ↗
National data showed weekly+ cannabis use was a stronger marker of social anxiety severity and suicide risk than formal cannabis use disorder diagnosis.
Blocking the Brain's Endocannabinoid System Triggered a Full Stress Response in Rats, Even Without Any Stressor ↗
Multiple methods of blocking endocannabinoid signaling in rats all triggered full stress responses, proving this system actively suppresses stress at rest.
Cannabis for Gynecological Pain: Growing Patient Use, Limited Clinical Evidence ↗
Women increasingly use cannabis for endometriosis, pelvic pain, and period cramps, with retrospective data suggesting benefit — but clinical trials are nearly nonexistent and barriers to medical access persist.
Fibromyalgia patients who slept better and felt less anxious on medical cannabis also reported less pain ↗
12-month study of 323 fibromyalgia patients found medical cannabis reduced pain partly through improvements in sleep and anxiety/depression symptoms.
Blocking a fatty acid transport protein reduced anxiety in rats through CB2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex ↗
Rat study reveals a novel FABP5-CB2 cannabinoid receptor pathway in the prefrontal cortex that regulates anxiety behavior.
THC in Rome's Hashish Nearly Doubled in 7 Years — From 13.7% to 27.1% ↗
Rome police seizures show hashish THC nearly doubled from 13.7% to 27.1% in seven years, with some samples exceeding 40% — and young males are the primary users.
CBD-dominant cannabis reduced anxiety more than THC-dominant in people with anxiety symptoms ↗
Four-week study found CBD-dominant cannabis reduced anxiety, tension, and paranoia more than THC-dominant cannabis in people with anxiety symptoms, with THC not worsening anxiety.
Antioxidant NAC prevented anxiety and depression caused by adolescent THC exposure in rats ↗
In adolescent rats, THC exposure caused lasting anxiety and depression-like behaviors linked to brain changes in the nucleus accumbens. The antioxidant NAC prevented all of these effects.
1 in 5 Older Adults Have Used Marijuana — and Current Users Show More Depression and Anxiety ↗
Population study of 910 adults 65+ found 20% had used marijuana and 5% used recently — current users showed more depression, anxiety, and functional impairment.
CBD oil extract reduced anxiety symptoms in most patients over 12 months in a Colombian clinic ↗
A Colombian case series of 24 patients found 12 months of CBD oil (100-120 mg/day) reduced significant anxiety from 100% to 37.5% and improved sleep disturbances from 47% to 12.5%, with no significant adverse effects.
Norwegian longitudinal study found increased cannabis use during youth was linked to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, especially in males ↗
Norwegian 13-year longitudinal study of 1,988 youth found within-person cannabis use increases linked to anxiety, depression (males), and suicidal ideation (3.4x in males, 2.5x in females).
Nearly 1 in 4 Opioid Addiction Patients Use CBD — Mostly for Anxiety, Pain, and Sleep ↗
Survey of 550 opioid addiction patients found 23% use CBD — primarily for anxiety, pain, and sleep, with 42% using it specifically for withdrawal relief.
Depression and ADHD symptoms drove heavier cannabis use in Swiss adults, but anxiety and psychosis did not ↗
Among 360 Swiss cannabis users, depression and ADHD specifically predicted heavier use after controlling for other factors, while anxiety and psychosis associations disappeared.
Practical guide finds growing evidence for cannabinoids in autism, Tourette syndrome, anxiety, and PTSD ↗
Clinical review finds growing evidence for cannabinoids in autism, Tourette syndrome, anxiety, and PTSD, with practical dosing: start 1-2.5 mg THC/day, target 10-20 mg.
People who visited the ER for cannabis had nearly four times the risk of developing an anxiety disorder ↗
Among 12 million Ontarians, cannabis-related ER visits were linked to nearly 4x higher risk of anxiety disorder within three years, with young males at highest risk.
Mouse Model of Prenatal THC Exposure Shows Anxiety, Depression, and Increased Alcohol Preference in Offspring ↗
A mouse model of high-dose prenatal THC exposure found offspring developed anxiety, depression, cognitive problems, and increased alcohol preference, with sex-dependent effects.
Nearly Half of Fibromyalgia Patients at Mayo Clinic Had Used Cannabis for Symptoms ↗
Mayo Clinic survey of 1,336 fibromyalgia patients found nearly half used cannabis, primarily for pain (82% reported improvement), fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.
Cannabis Use and Social Anxiety Disorder Often Co-Occur in Young Adults ↗
Analysis of 5,194 young adults found 1.1% had both cannabis use and social anxiety, strongly associated with other psychiatric disorders including panic disorder (OR up to 19.05).
The Terpene D-Limonene Reduced THC-Induced Anxiety in Humans ↗
Double-blind trial found the terpene d-limonene selectively reduced THC-induced anxiety and paranoia without affecting other THC effects, providing first rigorous human evidence for a cannabis entourage effect.
Cannabis Terpenes Show Anxiety-Reducing Effects in Mice, But Males and Females Respond Differently ↗
Inhaled cannabis terpenes linalool and beta-myrcene reduced anxiety in mice, but effective dosing patterns and CBD synergy differed between males and females.
CB1 Receptors in the Brain's Reward Circuit Link Anxiety to How Animals Learn From Rewards ↗
Mouse study finds CB1 receptors on dopamine neurons in the VTA-to-NAc circuit link trait anxiety to enhanced reward learning.
CBD-Rich Cannabis Reduced Anxiety and Repetitive Behaviors in Autistic Children Over 6 Months ↗
65 autistic children on CBD-rich cannabis for 6 months: reduced anxiety and repetitive behaviors. Anxiety reduction predicted subsequent behavior improvement.
Systematic review: medicinal cannabis may offer short-term mental health relief but is not a cure ↗
A systematic review of 49 controlled studies across 11 mental health diagnoses found CBD may offer short-term anxiety relief and CBD/THC combinations helped with cannabis withdrawal and sleep, but THC worsened psychosis and no long-lasting benefits were found for any product.
Nanoencapsulated CBD reduced panic-like behaviors in mice at very low doses ↗
Nanoencapsulated CBD reduced panic-like responses in mice confronted by a venomous snake at much lower doses than standard CBD, with confirmed delivery to fear-processing brain regions via both injection and nasal routes.
Review explores how the endocannabinoid system connects stress, nausea, vomiting, and cannabis hyperemesis ↗
A review examines the endocannabinoid system's role in regulating nausea, vomiting, and stress, explaining how chronic cannabis use may dysregulate these processes and contribute to the paradoxical vomiting seen in CHS and CVS.
Cannabinoid receptors on stress-related brain cells shape how mice respond to threats ↗
Mice lacking cannabinoid CB1 receptors on stress-related norepinephrine neurons showed altered responses to various stressors, but the direction of change depended on the specific stress context.
Anxiety sensitivity, not uncertainty intolerance, drives cannabis use in college students with excessive worry ↗
In college students with elevated worry, fear of anxiety symptoms (anxiety sensitivity) predicted cannabis use and coping motives, while intolerance of uncertainty did not.
Endocannabinoids and brain peptides interact in complex ways relevant to depression and anxiety treatment ↗
Review maps bidirectional interactions between endocannabinoids and nine neuropeptide systems in the brain, revealing complex regulatory networks relevant to depression and anxiety treatment.
Impulsivity Links Mental Health Problems to Risky Cannabis Use in Young Adults ↗
Tracked 2,762 college students over a year and found anxiety predicted later hazardous cannabis use, with impulsivity traits amplifying the connection.
Cannabis Consequences Predicted Later Depression More Than Depression Predicted Cannabis Use ↗
Two-year study of 961 emerging adults found negative cannabis consequences predicted later depression more than depression predicted cannabis use, especially in women.
Using Cannabis and Alcohol Together Was Linked to Depression in Both Male and Female College Students ↗
Survey of 367 college students found monthly simultaneous cannabis and alcohol use predicted depression in both sexes, with possible male-specific links to anxiety and stress.
CBD Reduced Anxiety and Brain Inflammation in Obese Aged Rats ↗
Aged obese rats given CBD showed reduced anxiety, lower circulating endotoxin, and decreased brain inflammation markers, with disrupted endocannabinoid signaling partially restored.
CBD Showed Mixed Results for PTSD Symptoms but Reduced Oxidative Stress in Rats ↗
In a rat PTSD model, CBD did not significantly reduce anxiety but improved spatial memory and reduced brain oxidative stress, suggesting neuroprotective rather than directly anxiolytic effects.
Survey Reveals Who Uses CBD for Self-Medication in Germany and Why ↗
A German survey of 702 CBD users found 38% self-medicate for sleep, pain, depression, and anxiety, with older and unemployed individuals most likely.
Mouse Study Maps How Direct vs. Indirect Endocannabinoid Manipulation Affects Anxiety ↗
In mice, FAAH inhibition reduced anxiety while CB1 blockade and CB2 manipulation increased it.
COVID-Related Stress Predicted Adolescent Cannabis Vaping Two Years Later Through Increased Susceptibility ↗
COVID-related stress predicted cannabis vaping in high schoolers two years later, mediated through increased susceptibility to vaping.
Baseline Inflammation Levels Influenced Whether Cannabis Helped Anxiety and Sleep ↗
A study of people with anxiety found that baseline inflammation levels influenced whether different cannabis products improved mood and sleep, with CBD-dominant products showing the most reliable benefits.
The Brain's Endocannabinoid System Acts as a Built-In Stress Buffer Through Specific Neural Circuits ↗
A Nature Reviews Neuroscience review mapped how the brain's endocannabinoid system regulates anxiety and stress through specific neural circuits, suggesting endocannabinoid-boosting drugs as future treatments.
Prenatal THC Exposure Affected Mouse Offspring Differently Based on Their Inborn Temperament ↗
Prenatal THC increased anxiety in dominant mice offspring but decreased it in submissive ones, revealing that inborn temperament determines how prenatal cannabis exposure affects behavior.
CBD Reduced Anxiety and Depression Symptoms More Than THC in Underrepresented Groups ↗
Randomized study found CBD reduced depression, anxiety, and stress more than THC over 4 weeks in underrepresented groups, with perceived discrimination amplifying the benefit.
Blood Endocannabinoid Levels Tracked With Anxiety Severity and Treatment Response in Youth ↗
Study of 199 youth found blood endocannabinoid levels tracked with anxiety severity, and 2-AG increases during SSRI treatment predicted better response in adolescents with GAD.
CBD Reduced Fear-Related Urination in Cats Exposed to Simulated Thunderstorms ↗
Randomized study in 40 cats found 2 weeks of CBD reduced fear-related urination during thunderstorm simulations compared to placebo.
Cannabis Use in SUD Treatment Patients Was Linked to More Trauma and Worse Mental Health ↗
Survey of 544 SUD treatment patients found cannabis use linked to more trauma and psychiatric diagnoses, but trauma may explain the cannabis-mental health connection.
Ireland's HHC Problem: What Happened When a Synthetic Cannabinoid Went Mainstream ↗
Over a third of Irish drug users tried HHC before its 2025 ban, with 90% reporting negative effects—a cautionary tale about legal synthetic cannabinoid alternatives.
Cyberbullied Teens Were Nearly 5x More Likely to Try Cannabis a Year Later ↗
An ABCD Study of nearly 10,000 adolescents found that cyberbullying victims were 4.65 times more likely to try cannabis within the next year, alongside increased risks for depression and suicidal behavior.
CBD Oil Reduced Anxiety and Improved Social Functioning in Autistic Children in a Small Trial ↗
Randomized trial of 29 autistic children found CBD oil did not improve social responsiveness but significantly reduced anxiety and parental stress.
CBD Shows Promise for Anxiety and Sleep, But Evidence Quality Varies Widely ↗
Scoping review of 29 studies found CBD shows promise for both anxiety and sleep, but inconsistent methods and dosing across studies limit definitive conclusions.
Cannabis Use Was an Independent Predictor of Prenatal Anxiety in 54,000 Nova Scotia Pregnancies ↗
In nearly 54,000 Nova Scotia pregnancies over two decades, cannabis use independently predicted prenatal anxiety, which rose from under 5% to over 20% prevalence.
Pure CBD and THC Formulations Showed Moderate Benefits for Anxiety and PTSD in Meta-Analysis of 21 Trials ↗
Meta-analysis of 21 RCTs found pharmaceutical-grade CBD (SMD -0.61) and THC (SMD -0.65) showed moderate effects for anxiety disorders and PTSD, while CBD-THC mixtures did not reach significance.
Which Cannabis Products Help Cancer Patients' Anxiety and Depression? ↗
Among 1,962 cancer patients, higher CBD doses and swallowed products were associated with the best anxiety improvement—while depression responded mainly to how cannabis was taken.
The Road From Early Warning Signs to Full Psychosis—and Where Cannabis Fits ↗
A review of 60 studies mapped psychosis development: early symptoms are mostly depression and anxiety, with cannabis conferring 4-fold risk (10-fold with genetic vulnerability).
Major Review: High-THC Cannabis Products Tied to Psychosis and Addiction, Mixed Results for Anxiety and Depression ↗
Annals of Internal Medicine review of 99 studies (221K participants) finds high-THC cannabis consistently associated with psychosis and addiction, with mixed results for anxiety and depression depending on therapeutic context.
Can Medical Cannabis Help With Anxiety Disorders? A Systematic Review of 57 Studies ↗
Systematic review of 57 studies found that 70% of the highest-quality research reported improvements in anxiety disorders with medicinal cannabis, though reporting standards remain a major issue.
CBD Nanoemulsion Reduced Both Anxiety and Panic Responses in Rats at Lower Doses ↗
CBD delivered via lipid nanoemulsion reduced anxiety and panic responses in rats at a low chronic dose (2.5 mg/kg), working through serotonin neurons in the brainstem.
Cannabis and Mental Health: Why Results Seem Contradictory and What Actually Matters ↗
Review explains why cannabis-mental health findings seem contradictory: it depends on THC vs CBD content, use frequency, age, genetics, and other often-overlooked factors.
Cannabis-Linked Oral Bacteria Can Reach the Brain and Cause Anxiety in Mice ↗
Mouse study found oral bacteria enriched in cannabis smokers can cause anxiety through metabolites that impair mitochondrial function and GABA signaling in the brain, without bacteria reaching the brain.
Anxiety Sensitivity Linked to Coping-Motivated Cannabis Use, Not Overall Use Frequency ↗
Systematic review of 50 studies found anxiety sensitivity linked to coping-motivated cannabis use and problematic use patterns, but not to whether or how often someone uses cannabis.
Impulsive, Socially Anxious Young Men Were Most at Risk for Coping-Driven Cannabis Use ↗
Study found socially anxious male emerging adults with high impulsivity were at greatest risk for coping-motivated cannabis use and related problems, suggesting a specific vulnerability profile.
Cannabis Users Reacted More Strongly to Stress but Also Recovered Faster Than Non-Users ↗
4-week study of 499 anxious individuals found all cannabis product types (THC, CBD, 1:1) increased both emotional reactivity to stress and recovery from it compared to non-use, with THC additionally elevating heart rate.
Hemp-Derived CBD Sublingual Solution Reduced Anxiety in Small Open-Label Pilot ↗
6-week pilot trial of 12 anxious patients found a hemp-derived CBD sublingual solution (30 mg/day) reduced anxiety and improved mood, sleep, and cognition with no serious side effects.
Higher THC Proportion in Cannabis Predicted More Dependence and Anxiety, Regardless of Gender ↗
Study of 202 trauma-exposed cannabis users found THC proportion (not THC:CBD ratio) predicted dependence and anxiety, with no gender differences in this association.
Frequent Cannabis Users Had More Anxiety but Were Not More Likely to Take Prescription Medications ↗
Study of 195 Colorado cannabis users found frequent use associated with higher anxiety but not depression, with similar rates of prescription medication use across all groups.
What Happened When a Geriatrics Clinic Started Supervising Older Adults' Cannabis Use ↗
A geriatric primary care clinic embedded a medical cannabis program—providing 144 supervised visits to older adults navigating cannabis use with complex medical needs.
How CBD Might Treat Schizophrenia: Two Mechanisms Identified ↗
CBD reduced schizophrenia-like symptoms in animals through two pathways: reducing neuroinflammation and modulating serotonin-MAPK signaling.
How Starting Medical Cannabis Affects Anxiety and Depression Over Six Months ↗
Prospective cohort study finding that new medical cannabis patients with anxiety and depression showed improvements over 6 months using real-time symptom monitoring.
Scientists Map a Brain Circuit Where Endocannabinoids Reduce Anxiety ↗
Researchers mapped an amygdala-hippocampus brain circuit where endocannabinoids are naturally released during anxiety to dampen fear responses, using novel viral tools.
Cannabis Therapy Helped 91.5% of Nerve Pain Patients—and a Novel Biomarker Tracked Anxiety, Not Pain ↗
Cannabis therapy achieved 91.5% response in 200 neuropathic pain patients over 4 years—and a novel biomarker tracked anxiety 6x better than pain.
College Sports Participation May Buffer Mental Health Risks of Cannabis Use ↗
Analysis of 150,992 college students showing organized sports participation moderates the link between cannabis use and depression, anxiety, and PTSD diagnoses.
Cannabis Vaping Linked to Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Teens ↗
National survey of nearly 70,000 U.S. teens found THC vaping linked to depression while CBD-only vaping was associated with higher anxiety symptoms — a surprising finding that challenges simple narratives.
Up to 1 in 5 People With Anxiety Disorders Also Have Cannabis Use Disorder ↗
Systematic review of 11 studies found 3-21% of people with anxiety disorders also have cannabis use disorder, with rates potentially reaching 34% among veterans with PTSD.
What Do Clinical Trials Actually Show About Cannabis for Mental Health? ↗
Scoping review of RCTs found thin and mixed evidence for cannabis treating mental health conditions — CBD shows some anxiety promise but most psychiatric evidence remains inconclusive.
Prenatal THC Slowed Brain Growth in Mice From Fetus to Adulthood ↗
Longitudinal mouse MRI study found prenatal THC caused enlarged ventricles in embryos followed by sustained brain growth deceleration into adulthood, with females more affected.
300mg CBD Shows Promise for Sleep in Worriers — But Doesn't Beat Placebo ↗
A randomized trial found 300 mg CBD improved sleep more than 50 mg CBD in high-worry individuals, but the difference from placebo was not statistically significant after 2 weeks of daily use.
Cannabis-Mental Health Link Has Doubled in Strength Since 2012 in Canada ↗
Canadian national survey data shows the cannabis-mental health association roughly doubled from 2012 to 2022, with frequent users showing up to 5.4x higher suicidality prevalence by 2022.
JAMA's Comprehensive Review of What Cannabis Can and Can't Treat ↗
JAMA review found strong evidence for cannabinoids treating nausea, appetite loss, and seizures, but guidelines recommend against inhaled or high-potency cannabis for most conditions.
CBD Reduces Both Pain and Anxiety in Rats — But Anxiety-Prone Animals Respond Differently ↗
Chronic CBD reduced nerve pain in all rat anxiety lineages but had differential anxiety effects, with anxiety-prone animals responding less — suggesting individual anxiety traits may affect CBD treatment outcomes.
The Link Between Teen Cannabis Use and Psychological Distress Strengthened From 2013 to 2023 ↗
Over a decade, the teen cannabis-distress link grew stronger, especially for frequent female users, while overall teen use declined.
A virtual group therapy program significantly reduced cannabis use, cravings, depression, and anxiety in adults with cannabis use disorder ↗
A 12-week virtual group therapy program reduced cannabis use, cravings, depression, and anxiety with 68% retention.
Integrated therapy plus AI-enhanced contingency management shows promise for treating cannabis use disorder with co-occurring mental health conditions ↗
Systematic review of 38 studies finds integrated CBT works for CUD with co-occurring conditions, and AI tools can enhance contingency management.
The Growing Risk of Cannabis Drug Interactions as Legal Access Expands ↗
Review mapped how cannabinoids interfere with drug metabolism through CYP450 enzymes, potentially altering effectiveness of antidepressants, blood thinners, opioids, and more.
Veterans in Addiction Treatment Describe Using Cannabis to Manage Pain ↗
Qualitative study found veterans in addiction treatment used cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep — framing it as a harm reduction alternative to more dangerous substances.
People Who Fear Anxiety and Believe Cannabis Helps Are Most Likely to Use It to Cope ↗
Study finds coping-oriented cannabis use is driven by the combination of anxiety sensitivity and positive cannabis expectations, explaining previous inconsistent findings.
Cannabis use after Canadian legalization increased mainly among people without mental health problems ↗
A study of nearly 93,000 Canadians over five years found cannabis use after legalization increased mainly among those without mental health problems, with people reporting anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia showing few changes in use.
Three-quarters of adults with ADHD have tried cannabis, with daily users showing higher rates of anxiety and addiction ↗
A survey of 900 adults with ADHD found 75% had used cannabis, with daily users showing significantly higher rates of cannabis use disorder (62%), anxiety (70%), and worsened inattention compared to non-daily users.
Meta-analysis: youth cannabis use linked to 28-87% higher odds of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior ↗
A meta-analysis of 36 studies found youth cannabis users aged 15-30 had 28% higher adjusted odds of depression, 58% higher odds of anxiety, 65% higher adjusted odds of suicidal ideation, and 80% higher adjusted odds of suicide attempts.
THC-induced anxiety in mice involves crosstalk between cannabinoid and adenosine receptor systems in the brain ↗
Mouse study found THC-induced anxiety involves crosstalk between cannabinoid CB1 and adenosine A2A receptors in the hippocampus, suggesting adenosine system modulation could influence cannabis anxiety effects.
Nearly 500 fibromyalgia patients in the UK saw improvements in pain, anxiety, and sleep after starting medical cannabis ↗
UK registry data from 497 fibromyalgia patients showed medical cannabis was linked to improved pain, anxiety, sleep, and quality of life, though nearly half reported side effects.
Canadian medical cannabis patients saw improvements in pain, anxiety, and depression over 6 months, but none reached clinically meaningful thresholds ↗
Canadian 24-week study found medical cannabis patients improved on pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life measures, but improvements fell below clinically meaningful thresholds.
Large Kaiser Study Links Adolescent Cannabis Use to Higher Rates of Psychiatric Disorders ↗
Large Kaiser study found adolescent cannabis use associated with significantly higher rates of psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders diagnosed through age 25.