CBD and THC are the two primary cannabinoids, or active ingredients, in cannabis, a.k.a. marijuana. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that has various therapeutic benefits, such as reducing pain, inflammation, seizures, and anxiety. THC is the intoxicating compound that causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis, such as euphoria, relaxation, and creativity.
How did the study compare CBD and THC?
The study of 300 people with anxiety, published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, is the first randomized trial to examine how legal, commercially available cannabis impacts anxiety symptoms. The study found that one in five U.S. adults suffers from an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental illness in the country, and prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications are on the rise.
The researchers recruited 300 people with anxiety: 42 were not cannabis users; 258 had tried it at some point. The larger group was assigned to use one of three flower products: a THC-dominant product (24% THC and 1% CBD); a CBD-dominant product (1% THC, 24% CBD); or one with 12% CBD and 12% THC. Over four weeks, participants could use the cannabis products as much and as frequently as they wanted to.
What were the results?
At the end of the study period, all four groups reported decreased anxiety. But the cannabis groups saw greater reductions in perceived anxiety than the non-cannabis group, and those using CBD-dominant products showed the most improvement of all. The researchers also noted that CBD tends to decrease anxiety, regardless of the dose.
What does this mean for people with anxiety?
The study suggests that CBD may be a more effective and safer alternative than THC for easing anxiety without the potential side effects of THC, such as impairment and paranoia. However, more research is needed before we can say conclusively that there are long-term, beneficial effects of CBD for anxiety. If you are interested in trying CBD for your anxiety, you should consult your doctor first and consult a reputable dispensary or provider.