Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researchers studied the association between consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol-dominant cannabis products and anxiety and depression. The findings published in the Journal of Affective Disorders highlighted an association between cannabis use and sustained reductions in anxiety and depression.
The researchers assessed the use of state-authorized medical cannabis products in a cohort of 33 participants with clinically significant anxiety or depression. The participants had not used medical cannabis before the study, but they could use a variety of cannabis products as needed during the study's six-month period. They completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) at baseline and daily for 8 weeks after cannabis initiation. In addition, the participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) assessments at the start of the study for a baseline reading and then at 1, 3, and 6 months after medicinal cannabis initiation. The researchers documented measures collected before each cannabis use and at the time of anticipated peak effect. The research team used linear mixed-effect models to evaluate changes in anxiety and depression.
The study found that initiation of THC-dominant medicinal cannabis was associated with acute reductions in anxiety and depression, as well as sustained decreases in overall symptom severity. The research team also noted improvements in the patients’ quality of life and overall health satisfaction. The study yielded no evidence of an association between medical cannabis use and the onset of physical or psychological problems.
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research studies that also documented sustained statistically significant improvement of anxiety and depression. The study provides critical insights into the therapeutic effects of medicinal cannabis for patients with depression or anxiety, and it points to the need for further investigation of medical cannabis as a pharmacological alternative for anxiety and depression symptom management.
Sources: Journal of Affective Disorders, NORML