CBD shows promise in the treatment of anxiety — but more research is needed, particularly among women

A new report published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research presents an overview of the clinical findings concerning the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of anxiety. While the report suggests that CBD may offer a safe and effective treatment for anxiety, the authors highlight the need for additional research among the female population.

The research team behind the review, led by Madison Wright, notes that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders worldwide. Despite the pervasiveness of anxiety disorder diagnoses, existing behavioral treatments offer limited effectiveness and the current pharmacological treatments carry unwanted negative consequences.

A growing research trend has focused on the anti-anxiety properties of cannabidiol (CBD) — a compound found in the Cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a “high”, and studies have yet to uncover any evidence of abuse or dependence in humans.