The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise.

The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise.

Study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(26)00015-5/fulltext

Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm

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  • Laser@feddit.orgEnglish
    311·
    12 days ago

    Was cannabis ever a serious contender for these issues? I always considered a painkiller and against loss of appetite, but nothing psychological.

    delaying proven treatments

    Good luck getting treatment for depression here in a timely fashion, I think with the latest changes, people need to wait about a year for an appointment. Situation is bleak, can’t blame anyone getting a bit of relief

    • MinnesotaGoddam@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      12 days ago

      It helps for gastro stuff (I haven’t paid too much attention to which, just I’m the patient they use to point to as “look! Use it for gastro” and cannabis treats all my gastro diseases). Its about time for my five year check in with the lady who does the cannabis CPE so we’ll have plenty to talk about if you want me to ask, just give me like six months to both visit and gather research.

    • apotheotic (she/her)@beehaw.orgEnglish
      2·
      12 days ago

      I think the point is that if it is the treatment given to you by your doctor without it being a stopgap, then that is delaying proven treatments. If you use it as a stopgap then that’s beside the point

    • Tar_Alcaran@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      11·
      12 days ago

      Was cannabis ever a serious contender for these issues?

      Honestly, that doesn’t really matter. You can test unlikely contenders too, especially in a desk study that doesn’t have any ethics problems.

      • Laser@feddit.orgEnglish
        2·
        12 days ago

        What I meant to ask was if anyone is surprised by the results of the study, not if it should have been conducted in the first place.