{"id":2416,"date":"2020-10-09T19:15:03","date_gmt":"2020-10-09T19:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/?p=2416"},"modified":"2026-02-22T14:04:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T14:04:57","slug":"marijuana-for-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/cannabis-and-your-body\/marijuana-for-anxiety","title":{"rendered":"Cannabis and anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cannabis has been emerging as an alternative to anxiety medications<\/a>, many of which come with unpleasant side effects. In this article, we'll delve into the research on cannabis and anxiety, hear from patients who have consumed marijuana to treat their anxiety<\/a>, and learn what the experts have to say.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tAn overview of the research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When considering whether cannabis may be a useful tool in combating anxiety, the key is to distinguish between the two main cannabinoids in the plant and the different effects they have. According to Dr. Adie Rae, neuroscientist and scientific adviser to Weedmaps, \u201cThe top-two cannabinoids in cannabis, CBD and THC, when isolated from the plant appear to have opposite effects on anxiety. Namely, CBD has consistently been shown to reduce<\/em> anxiety, whereas THC contributes to<\/em> anxiety, in a dose-dependent fashion.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several studies support the notion that CBD may ease anxiety, whereas large amounts of THC could increase anxiety in certain individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tStudies on cannabis and anxiety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High-THC, low-CBD products may not be advisable for anxiety patients or anyone with mental health issues<\/a>, according to the results of a randomized controlled trial published in 2013 in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. These results support the idea that CBD-dominant cannabis products may be the better option for treating anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders showed that short-term medical cannabis treatment with produc<\/a>t<\/a>s of a high-CBD, low-THC ratio<\/a> resulted in a reduction of anxiety, as well as lowered stress and depression. Long-term medical cannabis use, however, may exacerbate depression in anxiety sufferers \u2014 Rae pointed out that the conditions are often comorbid. Specifically, almost 50% of people diagnosed with depression will also be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t

\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"weed\n\t\t\t<\/a>Photo by: Gina Coleman\/Weedmaps<\/cite>
Short-term medical cannabis treatment with products of a high-CBD, low-THC ratio resulted in a reduction of anxiety, as well as lowered stress and depression.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t\t