Cannabinoids: Anxiety, Depression & Sleep

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May 18, 2024

By Joie Meissner ND, BCB-L

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring constituents in the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana. There are over 100 types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant—delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two major cannabinoids. ¹

CANNABINOIDS SNAP SHOT

• Evidence for CBD reducing social anxiety disorder is promising. If you are opting to take something long-term to address social anxiety, CBD might provide a safer option than the pharmaceutical antidepressants and benzodiazepines like Xanax, which are often prescribed for anxiety. But long-term, safety data for CBD are lacking.
• There is still a lack of evidence to conclude that cannabinoids—mixtures containing both CBD and THC—are effective for the range of anxiety disorders. Side-effect risk rises with any cannabinoid product containing THC as its dose rises.
• Products containing mixtures of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids might help insomnia for the short-term, but there’s not enough evidence to make that determination. And there’s evidence showing that long-term and particularly daily use of THC-containing products can harm sleep.
• Cannabinoid use for depression is far from supported by existing evidence. And use of cannabinoids containing a CBD-THC combination are linked to an increased risk of suicide.
• The research literature gives precious little guidance of what constitutes a “safe” dose of THC or a THC-CBD combination. When it comes to prolonged or high doses of THC, caution is warranted because serious side effects have been reported.
• While cannabinoids might provide temporary help, they don’t usually make a permanent change in anxiety or insomnia.
• Talk therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy supported by integrative approaches including biofeedback, mindfulness-based stress reduction, hypnosis, diet and nutrient therapy and treatment for insomnia with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia can make a lasting difference and carry no safety concerns.

Cannabinoids: Anxiety, Depression & Sleep

The medicinal effects of cannabis are being intensely studied, though research on cannabinoids is in its infancy.

Botanical cannabinoid extracts might help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, a small number of studies suggest. Many people take cannabinoids like CBD for depression. ²

But there are very few studies on the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of depression and its efficacy for depression is not proven. Cannabis use has been linked to suicide and lowered motivation. ^{3, 4, 5}

Importantly, there is a lack of long-term safety data on CBD. THC carries significant safety risks. Smoking or vaping any cannabinoid is unsafe.

Pure CBD is likely safer than many sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs in the benzodiazepines classification such as Valium.

If you’re taking cannabinoids for insomnia, you need to be aware that no medication or supplement even comes close to being as safe as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which can provide a lasting cure rather than a quick fix.

THC is responsible for the “high” of marijuana and carries risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of daily use. It also has more side-effects than other cannabinoids.  CBD is not mind-altering, intoxicating or habit forming.

Cannabis also contains other constituents such as essential oils, flavonoids and a plethora of molecules called terpenes.

CBD products come in different forms. True full-spectrum CBD products you can find on store shelves contain a mixture of CBD, essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids found in the plant. Such products include THC at various doses. Products labeled as “CBD isolate” should contain only CBD.

Each constituent might have different effects on insomnia, anxiety, mood, pain and other ailments.

Cannabinoids including CBD and THC can have a different impact on sleep depending on the proportions of each taken. ⁶

CBD also has a different effect on anxiety at different dosages. ⁷ THC may decrease anxiety at lower doses and increase anxiety at higher doses. ^{8, 9}

Cannabinoids can interact with each other. The effect of one type of cannabinoid may modulate the effect of another constituent. For example, CBD may attenuate some of the mind-altering effects of THC.

A number of sources point to synergistic effects among the multiple constituents of the cannabis plant. For example, other constituents in the plant can interact with cannabinoids. The so-called “entourage effect” is proposed to augment purported mood-enhancing effects of cannabinoids like THC or CBD due to the inclusion of the wide variety of terpenes and flavonoids found in cannabis. ^{10, 11, 12}

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only; it is not medical advice and should not be substituted for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified health care provider before stopping or starting any medications, supplements or cannabinoid products.

To find out if cannabinoids can be helpful for anxiety, click link below:

Are cannabinoids effective for anxiety?

To find out if cannabinoids can be helpful for depression, click link below:

Cannabinoids & Depression

To find out if cannabinoids can be helpful for insomnia, click link below:

Are cannabinoids effective for sleep?

Links to more information on cannabinoids (CBD & THC):

Care informed by the understanding that emotional and physical wellbeing are deeply connected

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Citations

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