From Fortune Magazine:

A third of ER visitors with cannabis-related concerns developed a new anxiety disorder within 3 years, says Lancet’s eClinical Medicine. Study based on 12 million Ontario residents. Users 3 times more likely to have an anxiety diagnosis within 3 years, 9 times more likely to visit a healthcare facility for anxiety long term.

Cannabis users are unsure about anxiety impact- it may be pre-existing but underdiagnosed. Study authors recommend against using cannabis to treat anxiety. Lack of evidence for efficacy and cannabis use may make symptoms worse.

Main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, THC, increases anxiety, while a cannabis derivative, CBD, decreases it. After Michigan legalized cannabis, emergency room visits for cannabis-induced anxiety rose by 20%.

Cannabis use seen as a short-term solution to anxiety and depression by Dr. Peter Roy-Byrne, who believes it will harm therapeutic outcomes if used more than occasionally.



Read more: Heavy marijuana use may fuel anxiety disorders, new research finds. This age group is most at risk