Study: Cannabis has limited benefits for most mental disorders

A recent analysis published in the journal The Lancet evaluated the effectiveness of cannabis-based medications in treating mental health issues, concluding that they have demonstrated limited efficacy.

The study included 54 randomized clinical trials conducted between 1980 and 2025, with 2,477 participants, and found that there are no significant benefits for conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or psychotic disorders. Although some individuals may experience improvements, the overall evidence does not support the routine use of cannabinoids. Researchers identified a gap in studies regarding the use of cannabinoids for depression and emphasized the need for higher quality clinical trials. However, they noted potential benefits for certain conditions, such as reducing withdrawal symptoms in cannabis users or alleviating tics in Tourette syndrome. Improvements were also reported in autism and insomnia, but the quality of evidence was considered low. Jack Wilson, the lead author of the analysis, highlighted the importance of continuing research to clarify the therapeutic role of cannabinoids.