NEW RESEARCH ON CANNABIS AND ANXIETY RELIEF

According to a recent mental health poll taken by the American Psychiatric Association, U.S. adults are feeling increasingly anxious. 43% of these adults felt more anxious in 2024 than they did in 2023, with the economy being their greatest worry. Sadly, in 2025, the number of anxious people continues to rise, and now two-thirds of Americans are anxious about current world events.

Are you struggling with anxiety and thinking about trying cannabis for relief? If so, good news! New research supports the longstanding belief that using cannabis for anxiety works.

CAN CANNABIS REALLY HELP WITH ANXIETY RELIEF?

Multiple studies suggest that using cannabis for anxiety can provide relief. In fact, most adult cannabis medical users say anxiety is one of the top three reasons they use the herb.

Cannabis’ anxiety-reducing (anxiolytic) effect is primarily thanks to its two main compound classes – cannabinoids and terpenes. We know this mostly about the main cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). However, other cannabis compounds, such as cannabigerol (CBG) and flavonoids, also show promising antianxiety effects.

That said, cannabis doesn’t affect everyone with anxiety the same way, and effects typically vary based on factors like dosage, strain, individual tolerance, and consumption method. For instance, some patients experience reduced anxiety after taking THC-rich products, while others experience paranoia and worsened anxiety. Thus, THC dosing has a narrower therapeutic window than other cannabinoids for anxiety. 

WHAT DOES NEW RESEARCH IN 2025 SAY ABOUT CANNABIS AND ANXIETY?

Prior to 2025, the general consensus was that using CBD for anxiety relief provided better results than other cannabinoids – and THC may not be as useful. However, while CBD and CBG are better-tolerated, new research on THC and anxiety points to the psychoactive cannabinoid also providing measurable relief when used appropriately and judiciously.

In a 2025 observational study involving adults with clinically significant anxiety and depression, participants who used THC-dominant cannabis reported significant reductions in anxiety. The effects were most pronounced in those who consumed 10 to 15 mg of oral THC and at least three puffs of vaporized cannabis. Notably, these individuals experienced continued anxiety reduction over a six-month period.

Another 2025 systematic review analyzed multiple studies on medical cannabis use in adults with anxiety-related disorders. Of the highest-quality studies, nine show positive outcomes for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), PTSD, and others. Over 90% of the studies report that both CBD- and THC-based cannabis can help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Even more interestingly, a 2025 article published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience highlights the link between inflammation and anxiety. The study reports that immune cells and stressed tissues releasing high levels of cytokines and other inflammatory proteins contribute to anxiety and poor sleep. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD, known for their anti-inflammatory and sleep-promoting effects, could help ease anxiety by targeting inflammation.

While CBD vs. THC for anxiety relief dominates most conversations around cannabis and anxiety, other cannabinoids are starting to gain attention. One standout is CBG.

In a 2024 study, healthy participants took a tincture containing 10 mg of CBG, 0.89 mg of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), 0.35 mg beta-caryophyllene, and less than 0.001 mg THC and CBD per milliliter, taking 2 mL at a time. The results were remarkable, with participants experiencing significantly reduced anxiety compared to a placebo. Peak relief occurred at 20, 45, and 60 minutes after ingesting 2mL of the tincture (e.g., 20mg CBG, etc.), with no one reporting intoxication or cognitive impairment.

HOW DOES THC AND CBD AFFECT ANXIETY DIFFERENTLY?

Based on the evidence from multiple studies, using either CBD or THC for anxiety relief can yield positive results. However, while using CBD at all doses poses no risk of worsening anxiety, higher doses of THC may significantly worsen anxiety. This is because CBD is a non-psychoactive or intoxicating cannabinoid with calming and sedative effects.

Moderate to high doses of CBD can reduce anxiety by helping you feel relaxed and calmer and lowering stress responses. It works for anxiety and depression by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a key role in mood and anxiety regulation. This is among 65 other helpful molecular targets of CBD.

THC, on the other hand, is a psychoactive cannabinoid known for its impairing effects. In low doses, it may relieve anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving your mood.

However, for individuals who are new to cannabis or sensitive to THC, it can have the opposite effect, leading to heightened anxiety or even paranoia. Why? THC stimulates the brain’s endocannabinoid and dopamine systems, which can temporarily increase heart rate and trigger racing thoughts or paranoia. This is more likely to happen with potent THC strains or high doses.

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WHAT CANNABIS PRODUCTS ARE BEING STUDIED FOR ANXIETY RELIEF?

Ongoing studies are exploring how CBD and THC affect anxiety, including Harvard McLean Hospital’s research on CBD for anxiety and depression in bipolar disorder. Researchers are also investigating the potential of terpenes and minor cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN), CBG, and cannabivarin (CBV) as alternative treatments for anxiety.

That said, multiple studies already show that cannabinoids like THC and CBD may help treat anxiety. But research is still lacking on the most effective doses and formulations. What we do know is that using CBD for anxiety relief, typically at higher doses, tends to work. THC, on the other hand, may worsen or improve anxiety, depending on the dose and individual tolerance. 

Despite the need for more research to fully understand the anxiolytic effects of cannabinoids, prescribing cannabis products for anxiety is becoming increasingly common. Many people also use illegal cannabis to self-medicate anxiety. Furthermore, terpenes like d-limonene and myrcene have shown promising potential for anxiety relief in multiple studies.

As of 2022, around 17% of prescriptions for anxiety are for CBD-dominant products like oils, wafers, capsules, and other ingestibles. 33% are for THC-containing liquids, and 50% are for herbal cannabis vapes. Keep in mind that these prescribing practices reflect a time when cannabis knowledge was even more limited among recommending providers. 

IS THERE AN IDEAL DOSAGE OR RATIO FOR ANXIETY RELIEF?

For now, studies haven’t identified the best THC or CBD dosage for anxiety, and that’s because cannabis affects everyone differently. But you can find the right dose for you by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until you feel relief.

While you can use pure CBD or THC products for anxiety, they may not be as effective as full-spectrum options. Research suggests that full-spectrum cannabis products that retain the plant’s natural mix of cannabinoids and terpenes offer better results. This is likely due to the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance therapeutic benefits.

The best full-spectrum cannabis products for anxiety usually come from CBD-dominant strains that have far more CBD than THC. High CBD levels can ease anxiety without major side effects, while low THC levels may be calming without triggering a racing heart or jitters.

A safe target is a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio. For example, a product with 10 to 20% CBD (100 to 200 mg) and just 0.5 to 1% THC (5 to 10 mg). You can get even lower THC (under 0.3%) if you choose a hemp strain or product. These options pose less risk of intoxication and other THC-related issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it best, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.“

Besides delivering an ideal CBD dosage for anxiety, a full-spectrum, cannabidiol-dominant product will contain a host of other cannabinoids and terpenes. These include CBG, CBN, CBDV, and terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and linalool, which all show promise for calming anxiety symptoms. That said, make sure you talk to your doctor before using cannabis for anxiety relief, especially if you’re pregnant or taking other medications.

READ: Mental Health and Cannabis: Studies Show The Benefits

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN CANNABIS REALLY HELP WITH ANXIETY RELIEF?

Yes, multiple studies indicate that cannabis can help relieve anxiety. Most of the relief comes from CBD, which may promote calmness, reduce stress, and ease anxious thoughts without causing impairing effects. However, the best results often come from full-spectrum products that contain multiple cannabinoids and terpenes working together to enhance CBD’s antianxiety effects.

WHAT DOES NEW RESEARCH IN 2025 SAY ABOUT CANNABIS AND ANXIETY?

New research in 2025 provides more evidence of the benefits of using cannabis products for anxiety relief. CBD-dominant products seem to be the safest and most effective option. Studies also suggest that cannabinoids like CBG and small doses of THC-rich strains may help reduce anxiety symptoms.

IS CBD OR THC BETTER FOR TREATING ANXIETY?

While both CBD and THC have antianxiety effects, CBD may be the safer and more effective option. It doesn’t cause impairing effects and is generally well-tolerated at all doses. Similarly, CBG is a great alternative, too. In contrast, high doses of THC may worsen anxiety, especially if you’re sensitive to the cannabinoid.

HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ANXIETY LEVELS SHORT TERM VS. LONG TERM?

In the short term, cannabis, especially CBD, may reduce your anxiety. However, long-term use of THC may increase your tolerance, leading to needing higher doses for your desired effect. If using a product that contains THC, increasing your dosage raises the risk of unwanted effects like worsened anxiety. By contrast, CBD and CBG do not have tolerance-inducing effects.

WHAT ARE THE BEST CANNABIS STRAINS FOR ANXIETY RELIEF?

CBD-dominant strains are the best for anxiety because they calm the mind without the side effects linked to THC. You can choose hemp strains with less than 0.3% THC or go for high-CBD, low-THC options like Lifter, ACDC, or Harle-Tsu.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO USING MARIJUANA FOR ANXIETY?

Yes, marijuana strains, concentrates, and products with high THC levels may worsen anxiety by triggering racing thoughts, rapid heart rate, or even paranoia. This risk increases with higher doses, especially if you’re THC-sensitive or new to cannabis.

WHAT’S THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OF CANNABIS FOR ANXIETY?

There still isn’t a consensus on the best cannabis dosage for anxiety, especially since cannabinoids affect everyone differently. To find a dose that works for you, start with a small amount of a CBD or CBG-dominant strain or product, and gradually increase until you experience your desired effects.