←Anxiety Disorders
Study register · detail Meta-Analyse · Anxiety Disorders · 2020

Efficacy and acceptability of cannabinoids for anxiety disorders in adults: A systematic review & meta-analysis

Bahji et al. ·Journal of Psychiatric Research Impact 3.0
Mixed GRADE Moderate 37 citations
Samplek = 14 Studien
n = 1.548 Pat.
Durationunclear
ControlPlacebo or active control
EndpointAnxiety symptoms
Blindingunklar
DesignMeta-Analyse
Key finding

Cannabinoids significantly reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD = -1.85), but after correction for publication bias the anxiolytic effect was no longer statistically significant.

Summary

Systematic review and meta-analysis on cannabinoids for anxiety disorders; k=14 RCTs (n=1.548, median age 33 years, 66% male). Cannabinoids reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD=-1,85, 95% CI [-2,61 to -1,09]) without significant side effects. Stronger efficacy in younger patients (p<0,01) and longer treatment duration (p<0,01). After correction for publication bias, the overall anxiolytic effect was no longer statistically significant.

P
PopulationAdults with anxiety disorders, pooled n=1548, median age 33 years, 66% male
I
InterventionCannabinoids (various) for the treatment of anxiety disorders
C
ControlPlacebo or active control (RCTs)
O
OutcomeReduction of anxiety symptoms: SMD = -1,85 (95% CI: -2,61 to -1,09); after correction for publication bias no statistically significant effect; no significant difference in study dropouts due to adverse events
Confidence in the evidence
Moderate

The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.

Downgraded for
Publication bias
Quality profile
Sample size ★★★★★
Blinding —
Effect size Mixed
Citations / year ★★★★★
Authors
Bahji A, Meyyappan A C, Hawken E R
DOI 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.07.030↗
Design: Meta-Analyse
Share
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and acceptability of cannabinoids for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched for randomized trials utilizing cannabinoids for the treatment of adults with anxiety disorders. Primary outcomes were reduction in anxiety disorder symptoms, and study discontinuation due to adverse events. Evidence was synthesized as rate ratios (RRs) and as standardized mean differences (SMDs) using random-effects meta-analyses. Results: A total of 14 eligible trials representing 1548 individuals (median age: 33 years; range: 28-44; 66% male) were identified. Cannabinoids reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD = -1.85, 95% CI: -2.61 to -1.09) without causing significant adverse events. Greater efficacy was observed among younger patients (p < 0.01) and with longer treatment (p < 0.01). However, publication bias was substantial, and after correction, the overall anxiolytic effect was not statistically significant. Conclusions: While cannabinoids may be of potential value in the treatment of anxiety disorders, the routine use of these treatments is not supported by the available evidence after correction for publication bias.
Indication
Further studies on Anxiety Disorders
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S Whiting et al. · 2015 · JAMA
2103 citations
Cannabinoids for Medical Use
Mixed

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10.1001/jama.2015.6358 View study →
A Kedzior et al. · 2014 · BMC psychiatry
299 citations
A positive association between anxiety disorders and cannabis use or cannabis use disorders in the general population--a meta-analysis of 31 studies.
Clear benefit Meta-Analyse

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A Roberts et al. · 2025 · Psychiatry research
3 citations
Medicinal cannabis in the management of anxiety disorders: A systematic review.
Mixed Systematic Review

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