Cannabis is not an effective treatment for common mental health conditions, says review

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Denis Campbell Health policy editorMarch 17, 2026 at 12:30 AM

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A comprehensive review published in The Lancet Psychiatry has found little evidence that cannabis-based therapies are effective in treating common mental health conditions. Researchers from universities in Australia and England analyzed 54 randomized controlled trials involving 2,477 participants, prompted by the increasing legalization and use of cannabis for mental health treatment in countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. The review found no significant effects on anxiety, anorexia nervosa, psychotic disorders, PTSD, or opioid use disorder. While some evidence suggests potential benefits for Tourette's, insomnia, and autism spectrum disorder, the researchers concluded that the routine use of cannabinoids for mental health and substance use disorders is rarely justified due to the scarcity of supporting evidence.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bath 40% Sydney 40% Brisbane 40% Melbourne 40% King’s College London 50% The Lancet Psychiatry 50% United Kingdom 60% United States 60% Canada 60% Sir Robin Murray 60% Australia 70%

Keywords

cannabis 100% mental health conditions 90% efficacy 70% cannabinoids 60% opioid use disorder 60% anxiety 60% post-traumatic stress disorder 60% psychotic disorders 60% medicinal cannabis 50% substance use disorders 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

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The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Australia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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cannabis mental health conditions efficacy cannabinoids opioid use disorder anxiety post-traumatic stress disorder psychotic disorders medicinal cannabis substance use disorders

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