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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  • MinnesotaGoddam@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    3 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.