Effects of Cannabinoids on Emotional States and Alcohol Use Among Underrepresented Groups: Moderation by Perceived Discrimination.
Human psychopharmacology September 1, 2025 Renée Martin-Willett, Carillon J Skrzynski, Angela D Bryan et al.
In a randomized trial, people using cannabis with cannabidiol (CBD) experienced greater decreases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over four weeks compared to those using cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This benefit was most pronounced among participants who reported average or high levels of perceived discrimination. No significant changes in drinking behaviors were observed. The findings suggest that CBD may help reduce negative emotional symptoms in the short term without increasing risk for alcohol misuse, and that perceived discrimination plays an important role in this relationship.