While the anecdotal evidence has long held that marijuana can help with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, a recent study suggests that this popular belief is not always true. In fact, the study shows that, particularly in adolescents with excessive use, marijuana can sometimes make mental health worse.
Marijuana and mental health – 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. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism.
A large 2026 cohort study of over 460,000 adolescents, published in JAMA Health Forum, found that past-year cannabis use was associated with a significantly increased risk (34% more likely) of being diagnosed with depression by young adulthood.
Bidirectional Relationship: Research indicates a complex, bidirectional relationship, where cannabis use is a risk factor for developing depression, and people with depression are more likely to use cannabis (often to self-medicate).
Dose and Compound Differences: The effects can vary depending on the specific compounds. While high-THC products are often linked to adverse effects, some limited, low-certainty evidence suggests that the CBD compound may reduce anxiety in some patients.
Acute vs. Chronic Effects: Some smaller studies have noted that single or short-term low-dose use can lead to temporary reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, but chronic, long-term use is associated with the worsening of symptoms over time.
While these new studies indicate patients who have multiple diagnoses that include anxiety or depression should use extra caution and make sure their medical marijuana doctor and pharmacist are aware of any existing mental health conditions. In addition, taking products under the direction of a medical doctor and a trained pharmacist may help reduce the risk of worsening these conditions. Talk to your MMJ doctor about what your options are, and be sure to let your medical marijuana doctor and pharmacist know about any mental health conditions you may have to ensure safe usage, particularly in adolescents. You can keep getting your medicine without jeopardizing your mental health.
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an outpatient treatment that is FDA approved, has helped patients with medication-resistant major depressive disorder, as well as other mental health conditions like anxiety and PTSD, to have relief from symptoms. TMS requires no drugs, is outpatient, and patients can return to work right after treatment. For more information, contact our associates at Neurostem, click the button below, or visit the website at neurostemllc.com.
