Recent research has challenged the growing belief that marijuana can treat mental health disorders, delivering important public health warnings.
Two major analyses—one published in the ‘Lancet Psychiatry’ reviewing 54 randomised controlled trials from 1980 to 2025, and another in ‘JAMA’— found no reliable evidence that cannabis or its components, CBD and THC, improve conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Lead researcher Jack Wilson emphasiSed a key finding: “We found no evidence any form of cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.”
The studies also showed no benefits for disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or anorexia nervosa. Notably, most trials examined regulated oral cannabis products, yet real-world use often involves smoking—where evidence of benefit is even weaker.
