The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise.

The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise.

Study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(26)00015-5/fulltext

Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm

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  • TrackinDaKrakenEnglish
    59·
    2 days ago

    Right, this does depend on the criteria for successful treatment.

    No one questions that pain killers are an effective treatment for pain, though they do nothing to cure the cause of the pain.

    • bearboiblake@pawb.socialEnglish
      6·
      2 days ago

      Depends on the painkiller, tbf, I think there’s a Cochrane review that finds no evidence to support that paracetamol/acetaminophen is an effective medication for most types of pain, if I remember correctly.

      • Town@lemmy.zipEnglish
        7·
        2 days ago

        What I’ve seen is that Tylenol is moderately good for fever and headaches, but not for injuries, joints, cuts and abrasions, etc. For those you want an anti-inflammatory, like naproxen or Ibuprofen.