Limited evidence suggests medical marijuana may help anxiety symptoms when present with another condition, such as chronic non-cancer pain.² Evidence does not currently support medical marijuana for generalized anxiety disorder.³
Patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often have many symptoms including anxiety. Florida law formally recognizes PTSD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.
Limited research has shown some PTSD symptoms may improve with medical marijuana, but evidence is limited to a synthetic cannabis medication known as nabilone.³ Research on medical marijuana used to treat PTSD and its symptoms are ongoing. PTSD is one of the top conditions being prioritized for research.
| 1. It is important to discuss the type of medical marijuana being considered with your physician. | 2. Discuss if you are taking any prescription medications for anxiety. | 3. Discuss if you have other mental health conditions, such as depression. |
| The THC in medical marijuana has been shown to make some types of pre-existing anxiety worse. Research is not clear on how CBD affects pre-existing anxiety. | Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, have potential to increase side effects when combined with medical marijuana. Some types of antidepressant medications are used to treat anxiety, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). While these medications have low to moderate risks when combined with medical marijuana, they should be used with caution. | Research is not clear on how medical marijuana may affect anxiety symptoms when present with another mental health condition. |
Please note: This document is for informational purposes only, but is not medical or legal advice and should not be used to make healthcare decisions. Please consult your healthcare provider to find out what treatment options are available for you.
1 The 2020 Florida Statutes. Title XXIX, Chapter 381, section 381.986: Medical use of marijuana.
2 Black N, Stockings E, Campbell G, et al. Cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and symptoms of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2019;6(12):995-1010.
3 Stanciu CN, Brunette MF, Teja N, Budney AJ. Evidence for Use of Cannabinoids in Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD: A Systematic Review [published online ahead of print, 2021 Feb 3]. Psychiatr Serv.
Updated August 2021
