Chronic and heavy use of cannabis to treat anxiety and depression is associated with worsening of symptoms.
Cannabis, known for its relaxing properties, may not have the desired long-term effects. A team of researchers from the University of Colorado has looked at the benefits of cannabis for people with anxiety and depressive disorders. The results were published in the journal Peer J.
They suggest, without proving it, that chronic and heavy use of cannabis over a prolonged period could have a profoundly negative effect in people with anxiety or depressive disorders. In these patients, cannabis is suspected of reinforcing the symptoms that it aims to eliminate.
Poorly known effects
To arrive at this hypothesis, the authors interviewed 172 cannabis users. Some of these people, suffering from depression or anxiety, have self-medicated with cannabis to treat their symptoms. Using questionnaires, the researchers asked participants about the benefits observed over the years.
However, consumers reported that they ended up experiencing more symptoms of anxiety and depression than before. However, the researchers say it is impossible to determine whether cannabis was the cause of these heightened symptoms. Moreover, the major limitation of this study lies in its methodology, based on self-declaration.
However, the study raises an important point: little is known about the long-term benefits of cannabis in the treatment of anxiety and anxiety. Short-term efficacy is a little better informed, but the authors point out that the work to date remains very contradictory.
The team suggests that cannabis could treat depression and anxiety in the early stages, until it loses its effectiveness, or even worsens symptoms. However, additional studies will have to be carried out to corroborate such a hypothesis, they specify.
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