Medical cannabis has been suggested as a potential treatment option for mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based treatments for these conditions remain largely unknown. This article will review the results of clinical trials on the use of medical cannabis in treating mental health disorders and examine the potential benefits and risks associated with its use.

One recent review analyzed the clinical data available on cannabis and psychedelics in mood and anxiety disorders. The review found that while some studies showed promising results, the evidence supporting the use of medical cannabis for mental health disorders remains limited due to small sample sizes and the lack of randomized controlled trials (Hazekamp & Ware, 2018).

Another study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain management and found that cannabis-based treatments were effective in reducing chronic pain, although adverse effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue were reported (Fisher et al., 2021).

Overall, while some clinical trials have shown promise in the use of medical cannabis for mental health disorders, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. As such, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before using cannabis-based treatments for mental health conditions.

Reference:

Hazekamp, A., & Ware, M. A. (2018). Cannabis and Psychedelics in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Review of Clinical Data. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 31(3), 280-288.

Fisher, E., Gouda, D., Wong, J., Khuu, W., & Selby, P. (2021). The Effectiveness and Safety of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Chronic Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Pain Research, 14, 3205-3223.