Crawley, Australia — Cannabis-based treatments may significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with anxiety-related disorders, according to a comprehensive systematic review published in Psychiatry Research.
Australian researchers analyzed data from 57 studies examining the use of both plant-derived and synthetic cannabis formulations in patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While the studies varied in methodology and design, a majority indicated that cannabis-based therapies were effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms.
“Among studies with a low risk of bias, 69 percent reported measurable improvements in anxiety symptoms and overall quality of life following the use of medicinal cannabis,” the researchers wrote. “High-quality trials focusing on GAD consistently demonstrated reduced anxiety scores. Similarly, qualitative data revealed notable relief in symptoms and better sleep outcomes, particularly for individuals with PTSD.”
The authors concluded that medicinal cannabis appears to offer therapeutic value across a spectrum of anxiety disorders. They recommended further research to explore how cannabis might be effectively integrated with conventional treatments such as SSRIs, traditional anxiolytics, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Their findings align with existing survey data showing that approximately 70 percent of individuals who use cannabis for self-medication report doing so to manage anxiety.
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