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Cannabis update: Anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Amy L Haycraft

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners May 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000864 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Population Adults with anxiety disorders and PTSD
Topics Anxiety Cannabis PTSD
Key findings The authors conclude that evidence supports a relatively safe profile for medical cannabis in adults with anxiety disorders and PTSD, but that conclusive scientific evidence of its therapeutic properties is limited, leaving the product unstandardized and without FDA approval. They note that cannabis may beneficially affect neural circuitry involved in fear regulation.

Abstract

The development of anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is complex. Both delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are of potential therapeutic use. Evidence suggests that cannabis has a beneficial effect on neural circuitry involved in fear regulation. In the United States, cannabis is considered either medical or recreational and can contain pure THC or CBD or any combination thereof. The numerous cannabis compounds of various administration routes, with variable pharmacokinetics, further affect the cannabis conundrum. Despite being federally unregulated, medical cannabis has received increased attention socially, and at present, 37 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis for use in specific health conditions. Patients are increasingly inquiring about cannabis, and clinicians must educate themselves with reliable cannabinoid information for patient education. In adults with anxiety disorders and PTSD, evidence supports a relatively safe profile for medical cannabis; however, conclusive scientific evidential support of its therapeutic properties is limited, resulting in a lack of standardization and Food and Drug Administration approval.

Comparable studies

Other narrative reviews on cannabis for anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug 2006 Review
Mitigation of post‐traumatic stress symptoms by Cannabis resin: A review of the clinical and neurobiological evidence 19-year-old male patient with severe PTSD 2012 Review
Partydrogen im Überblick Party drug users 2026 Review
The Use of Illicit Drugs in Therapy: an Introduction 2023 Review
Cannabis and psychosis: is there a role for Cannabidiol in the treatment of psychosis in young cannabis users? 2020 Literature review

Citations in the library

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