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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  • Tar_Alcaran@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    11·
    3 days ago

    Was cannabis ever a serious contender for these issues?

    Honestly, that doesn’t really matter. You can test unlikely contenders too, especially in a desk study that doesn’t have any ethics problems.

    • Laser@feddit.orgEnglish
      2·
      3 days ago

      What I meant to ask was if anyone is surprised by the results of the study, not if it should have been conducted in the first place.