Cannabis as a Treatment for Anxiety and Depression: Does It Offer Relief?

CannabisUse for Stress and Depression Relief: Effective or Not?

Cannabis, a plant with over 100 cannabinoids, is increasingly being used to treat a range of health conditions, including anxiety and depression. The term "cannabis" is preferred over "marijuana" to avoid perpetuating racist stereotypes and because the word "marijuana" has negative connotations.

Approximately 50% of medical cannabis users report using it for anxiety, while 34% use it for depression. However, it's crucial to approach its use with caution, as research indicates both benefits and potential risks.

One of the best-known cannabinoids is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. High levels of THC can cause anxiety symptoms such as racing thoughts and an increased heart rate. On the other hand, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits.

A 2019 review suggested that CBD may have an antidepressant effect, possibly because it may cause an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). CBD could potentially help treat anxiety, particularly social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD may help with depression because it could affect the 5-HT1A receptors, which are a kind of serotonin receptor.

However, a study found that while cannabis can temporarily reduce self-reported levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, it may not decrease anxiety or depression in the long run and may actually exacerbate depression over time. This highlights the importance of long-term studies to fully understand the effects of cannabis on mental health conditions.

It's essential to disclose cannabis use to a cannabis-friendly doctor, psychiatrist, primary care physician, and any doctor who prescribes medication to avoid uncomfortable side effects from interactions with cannabis and medication. Regular cannabis use can lead to dependence and the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions, affecting over 264 million people and approximately 31% of U.S. adults, respectively. Those with clinical depression and bipolar disorder are more likely to develop a CUD. Racial minorities are more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than their white counterparts, which adds another layer of complexity to the discussion around cannabis use and mental health.

Cannabis is not legal at a federal level, but medical cannabis is only legal in a few states, with laws varying from one state to the next. In recent years, scientific studies on cannabis treatment for anxiety and depression have shown that cannabis can alleviate anxiety and insomnia, but also carries risks such as seizures and delirium requiring professional medical supervision. Long-term use may lead to chronic anxiety and depression as part of withdrawal symptoms.

Patient-reported experiences indicate that medical cannabis can improve quality of life and symptoms for some conditions, suggesting the need for further research to provide stronger evidence for cannabis use in anxiety and depression treatment. Studies presented at the DGPPN 2023 conference noted that patients treated with medical cannabis flowers differ from others, but no definitive consensus on its efficacy for anxiety and depression was detailed.

In conclusion, while cannabis shows promise in the treatment of anxiety and depression, its long-term effects and potential risks require further investigation. It's essential to approach its use with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.