Does cannabis relieve anxiety? Broader evidence still leaves uncertainty
Short answer: Evidence differs by cannabinoid and population. A 2025 VA/OHSU living systematic review found possible CBD symptom improvement in diagnosed anxiety disorders, but certainty was low; THC findings were unclear and very low certainty. These findings do not establish a reliable treatment for every anxiety symptom or consumer product.
What the broader review found
The full review update, published in August 2025, included 14 studies overall; five studied adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders. For CBD, three randomized trials and one quasi-experimental study (659 participants total) suggested symptom improvement, but certainty was low and populations were limited. Evidence about functioning and safety was very uncertain. For THC, the review found mixed anxiety findings and very-low-certainty evidence; it could not determine whether THC affected anxiety symptoms or safety.
A July 2026 surveillance search covered studies published from May 2025 through April 2026. It found no new eligible studies. This does not strengthen the existing evidence or change its limits: the last full review remains the August 2025 update.
NCCIH also describes a 24-person CBD experiment involving social anxiety and a simulated public-speaking test. That narrow experiment is not evidence that THC cannabis, retail CBD, or regular use treats generalized anxiety.
Anxiety can also be an unwanted effect
CDC says cannabis can cause unpleasant feelings of anxiety or paranoia. It also reports associations between cannabis and some mental-health outcomes, while noting that researchers do not fully understand those relationships. Association alone does not prove cannabis caused a disorder.
What this means for readers
The reviews concern specific studied preparations and adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders; they do not establish effects specific to adults over 50, a retail product, or a personal dose. This summary is not a treatment plan. For persistent anxiety or questions about current treatment, discuss symptoms, medicines, and options with a qualified health professional. Do not stop prescribed treatment based on this page.
For related context, see Anxiety evidence after 50.
Sources
- VA/OHSU Cannabis Evidence: Anxiety and Mood Disorders review summary -- study count, diagnosed populations, CBD/THC findings, certainty, and publication history.
- VA/OHSU full review update, August 2025 (PDF).
- VA/OHSU surveillance report, July 2026 (PDF) -- no eligible studies found for May 2025-April 2026.
- NCCIH: Cannabis and Cannabinoids -- small human anxiety evidence, including the 24-person study.
- CDC: Cannabis and Mental Health -- anxiety/paranoia as potential effects.
- CDC: Cannabis Health Effects -- association with mental-health outcomes and causal uncertainty.
Educational source summary only. No diagnosis, individualized medical advice, or claim of specialist review. The evidence is not specific to all adults over 50 or all products.
Quick answers
What does the current evidence say about CBD and THC for diagnosed anxiety?
The August 2025 VA/OHSU review found low-certainty evidence of possible symptom improvement with CBD; THC findings were mixed and very uncertain. Neither establishes individual benefit.
Does this evidence establish a treatment or dose for adults over 50?
No. The review does not establish a 50-plus-specific effect, retail product, or personal dose.