Cannabis is not an effective treatment for common mental health conditions, says review

International researchers find ‘very little evidence’ medical form of the drug can treat anxiety, anorexia and other disorders Cannabis is not an effective treatment for common mental health conditions despite the global surge in patients using it for that purpose, a review has found. Researchers concluded there was “very little evidence for its efficacy” in treating anxiety, anorexia nervosa, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder or opioid use disorder. Experts from universities in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia and Bath in England undertook the largest and most comprehensive analysis to date of the evidence for using cannabinoids – cannabis-based therapies – to treat substance misuse and mental health disorders. Their review was prompted by the legalisation of cannabis as a treatment for both types of condition by countries including the US, the UK, Australia and Canada. Evidence from clinics that dispense cannabis for medical purposes say mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression are the main reasons cited by patients, followed by chronic pain, with some suffering from both. The medical products can reduce dependence on cannabis, relieve the symp