Anxiety is a feeling of worry, tension, nervousness, or fear relating to a specific event or situation. People often also experience some physical symptoms, including an increased heartbeat or sweating.

It is a normal reaction in response to stress or stressful situations. However, if people experience excessive anxiety, which becomes a persistent problem, they may have an anxiety disorder.

Keep reading to learn more about the relationship between cannabis and anxiety.

Cannabis has documented for use in alleviating anxiety. However, certain research has also shown that it can produce feelings of anxiety, panic, paranoia and psychosis. In humans, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has associated with an anxiogenic response. While anxiolytic activity has attributed mainly to cannabidiol (CBD). In animal studies, the effects of THC are highly dose-dependent. And biphasic effects of cannabinoids on anxiet-related responses have been extensively documented. A more precise assessment is required of both the anxiolytic and anxiogenic potentials of phytocannabinoids. With an aim towards the development of the ‘holy grail’ in cannabis research. A medicinally-active formulation which may assist in the treatment of anxiet or mood disorders without eliciting any anxiogenic effects.

Objectives

To systematically review studies assessing cannabinoid interventions (e.g. THC or CBD or whole cannabis interventions). Both in animals and humans, as well as recent epidemiological studies reporting on anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects from cannabis consumption.

Method

The articles selected for this review identified up to January 2020 through searches in the electronic databases OVID MEDLINE. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and PsycINFO.

Results

Acute doses of CBD found to reduce both in animals and humans. Without having an anxiogenic effect at higher doses. Epidemiological studies tend to support an anxiolytic effect from the consumption of either  CBD or THC, as well as whole plant cannabis. Conversely, the available human clinical studies demonstrate a common anxiogenic response to THC (especially at higher doses).

Conclusion

Based on current data, cannabinoid therapies (containing primarily CBD) may provide a more suitable treatment for people with pre-existing anxiety or as a potential adjunctive role in managing anxiety or stress-related disorders. However, further research needed to explore other cannabinoids and phytochemical constituents present in cannabis (e.g. terpenes) as anxiolytic interventions. Future clinical trials involving patients with disorders warranted due to the small number of available human studies.