Cannabis and Anxiety: A Critical Review
Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids February 23, 2024 Alexander Beletsky, Cherry Liu, Bryson Lochte et al.
The association between cannabis use and anxiety disorders is best explained by the self-medication hypothesis, in which anxiety predisposes individuals toward cannabis use, rather than cannabis use causing anxiety disorders. A systematic review of the literature found that while some studies report no correlation, a meta-analysis of 15 studies showed a modest correlation between anxiety and cannabis use (odds ratio 1.24), and a meta-analysis of 13 studies showed a stronger correlation between anxiety and cannabis use disorder (odds ratio 1.68). Causal interpretations and the common factor theory lack substantial support.