From the Guidelines
CBD and THC are not conclusively proven to cause depression, but chronic cannabis use, particularly with THC, may be associated with an increased risk of developing depressive disorders. The relationship between CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and depression is complex and not fully understood, as noted in a recent guideline by the Journal of Clinical Oncology 1. THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, can affect mood regulation and may trigger anxiety or paranoia in some users, particularly at higher doses or with long-term use, which could contribute to depressive symptoms. Some key points to consider include:
- Chronic cannabis use carries long-term psychiatric risks, which may be correlated with cumulative exposure including age of first use, as reported in the 2024 ASCO guideline 1.
- Cannabis and/or cannabinoid use may be associated with an increased risk for developing depressive disorders and may exacerbate psychiatric disorders in vulnerable individuals 1.
- Ten percent of adults with chronic cannabis use may also develop cannabis use disorders, associated with clinically significant impairment or distress, including using more cannabis than expected and difficulty in cutting back on use 1.
- The early onset of cannabis use, especially weekly or daily use, strongly predicts future dependence, highlighting the importance of cautious use and monitoring 1. It's essential for individuals experiencing depression symptoms and considering cannabis products to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized guidance based on their specific health situation.
From the Research
CBD and Depression
- There is limited evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of CBD for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression 2.
- Some studies suggest that CBD may have potential therapeutic effects for specific psychopathological conditions, such as anxiety and substance use disorders, but further large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to better evaluate its efficacy 2, 3.
- CBD has been reported to be well tolerated, and there is no signal of positive activity of CBD in small randomized controlled trials assessing chronic pain, but low doses were used in these studies 4.
THC and Depression
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that THC causes depression.
- However, THC is known to have psychotomimetic effects, which may be different from the activity of CBD 2.
- The studies provided focus more on the therapeutic potential of CBD, and there is limited information on the effects of THC on depression.
Cannabinoids and Mental Health
- Cannabinoid-based medicines (CBM) may have moderate benefit in chronic pain management and comorbidities, including sleep problems, anxiety, and appetite suppression 5.
- CBM may also be effective in managing symptoms in some chronic conditions associated with pain, including HIV, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and arthritis 5.
- However, patients considering CBM should be educated on risks and adverse events, and clinicians should work collaboratively with patients to identify appropriate dosing, titration, and administration routes 5.