A recent study from the University of Colorado, Boulder indicates that Americans seeking anxiety relief through cannabis should choose products with high levels of CBD over THC. CBD, a nonintoxicating compound, is found to be more effective in soothing anxiety compared to THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid.
THC vs. CBD which is better for anxiety management
THC and CBD are primary cannabinoids in cannabis, with THC responsible for the psychoactive “high” feeling. Researchers conducted a trial with 300 participants to study the impact of legal cannabis on anxiety symptoms, considering the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the US.
The study’s senior author, Cinnamon Bidwell, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Institute of Cognitive Science, emphasizes the clear short-term benefits of CBD for tension and anxiety relief. However, conclusive evidence regarding long-term effects requires more data.
Many adults consider anxiety as one of the primary reasons, alongside sleep and pain, for experimenting with marijuana. However, research on its efficacy in treating anxiety yields conflicting findings. While some studies suggest that frequent cannabis use or high-THC products may exacerbate anxiety in the long term, others propose that incorporating CBD into THC-rich products could mitigate adverse effects such as impairment and paranoia.
Researchers conducted a study to explore the short-term and long-term effects of CBD and THC on anxiety. They enrolled 300 participants, 42 of whom were non-cannabis users, while 258 had previous experience with cannabis. Participants were divided into groups using different cannabis products: CBD-dominant, THC-dominant, or balanced.
CBD produces immediate anxiety reduction
Participants were allowed to use their products as desired over four weeks, with an average usage of three times weekly. Throughout the study, researchers visited each participant’s home in a mobile lab van to conduct tests before and after cannabis use.
Individuals consuming CBD-dominant cannabis products experienced immediate anxiety reduction without feeling impaired. They were less likely to experience paranoia compared to other cannabis groups. The research suggests that THC did not lead to long-term anxiety increase, and CBD-dominant cannabis may provide acute tension relief, potentially reducing anxiety symptoms over time.
