Cannabis products may help treat symptoms of depression, improve sleep, and increase quality of life, study suggests

A longitudinal study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry investigated the effects of medicinal cannabis among clinically depressed and/or anxious patients. Those who were using medicinal cannabis at baseline had lower depression scores than non-users, and non-users who began taking cannabis during the follow-up period experienced a reduction in both anxiety and depression symptoms.

Anxiety and depression are of the most common mental health conditions around the world. While there are existing therapeutic and pharmacological treatments, evidence suggests that many sufferers fail to seek help and are wary of the side effects of taking medication.

Study authors Erin L. Martin and her colleagues note that many people with anxiety and depression are turning to medicinal cannabis as a way to manage their symptoms. These products can be made predominantly of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or equal amounts of both. Studies investigating the therapeutic effects of these products have shown promise but have yielded mixed results, and the ideal dosage remains unclear.

https://www.psypost.org/2021/10/cannabis-products-may-help-treat-symptoms-of-depression-improve-sleep-and-increase-quality-of-life-study-suggests-62014