Cannabinoid treatments for anxiety: A systematic review and consideration of the impact of sleep disturbance.
Andrea J Narayan, Luke A. Downey, Brooke Manning, Amie C Hayley
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews December 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104941 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Healthy and clinical populations across 58 studies |
| Intervention | Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) |
| Topics | Anxiety CBD |
| Keywords | Cannabinoids Sleep disturbance |
| Key findings | In healthy populations and certain non-cannabis-using clinical populations, CBD showed greater anxiolytic effects without prominent effects on sleep. The authors suggest an inverted U-shaped dose relationship and the CBD-to-THC ratio in combined treatments likely moderated these effects, with mechanisms proposed to involve primary endocannabinoid modulation and secondary neuroendocrine regulation. |
Abstract
Cannabidiol's (CBD) safety profile and broad action has made it a popular treatment option for anxiety and co-occurring sleep disturbance. However, its efficacy in healthy and clinical populations, treatment duration, formulation and doses for optimal therapeutic benefits remains unclear. Selected databases were examined from inception to October 2022. Study selection, data extraction and Cochrane Risk of Bias assessments were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42021247476) with 58 full-text studies meeting the eligibility criteria and administered CBD only or with Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) across healthy and clinical populations. In healthy populations and certain non-cannabis using clinical populations, CBD had greater anxiolytic effects without prominent effects on sleep. An inverted U-shaped dose relationship, and CBD ratio to THC in combined treatments likely moderated these effects. Mechanistically, observed CBD effects occurred via primary modulation of the endocannabinoid system and secondary regulation of neuroendocrine function. Additional research is needed to understand CBD mechanisms of action across diverse groups.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Medical use of cannabis and psychedelics in treating symptoms of mental disorders among military and veteran populations: A systematic review Theoretical and Natural Science March 5, 2024
- A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial on the effect of a 20:1 cannabidiol: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol medical cannabis product on neurocognition, attention, and mood. European Neuropsychopharmacology May 2024
- Cannabis update: Anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners May 1, 2023
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