Scientists say marijuana doesn't ease anxiety or other mental health conditions

"We found no evidence any form of cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, which are three of the leading reasons for which cannabis is prescribed. The cannabis medications being administered in these studies were largely oral formulations, such as capsules, sprays or oils. In real life, people typically use smoked cannabis, and there is even less evidence of its effectiveness for mental health."

"Using marijuana also did not improve other mental health conditions such as anorexia nervosa; bipolar disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD; or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. The randomized controlled trials that made up the Lancet review are the gold-standard of research."

Two comprehensive analyses of gold-standard randomized controlled trials found no evidence that cannabis effectively treats anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder—three leading reasons for cannabis prescription. The Lancet Psychiatry study reviewed 54 trials from 1980-2025, examining oral cannabis formulations like capsules, sprays, and oils. Cannabis also failed to improve anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Smoked cannabis, commonly used recreationally, has even less evidence supporting mental health benefits. A concurrent JAMA study reached similar conclusions about natural and synthetic CBD and THC forms. Experts acknowledge marijuana research challenges but emphasize these randomized controlled trials represent the highest research standard.

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