Mental health and cannabidiol: an initial test

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

Objective: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a specific cannabinoid found in cannabis that has become increasingly popular in the United States and worldwide. Anecdotally, many CBD users report using it to help address negative emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression. However, little empirical research has, in fact, been conducted to understand the mental health characteristics of persons who use CBD compared to those who do not. To address this limitation, the current study examined differences in depression and anxiety among adults who currently use CBD compared with those that do not use CBD. Methods: Participants were 1,116 adults (68.9% female, Mage = 21.4 years, SD = 3.6). Results: Compared to individuals who do not use CBD, individuals who used CBD reported higher depression (p = 0.020, ηp2=.006) and anxiety (p = 0.009, ηp2=.007); however, the group differences were small in magnitude. Conclusion: Overall, the current findings suggest that current CBD use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, but these effects are small. Future prospective research is needed to explicate the interrelations between CBD use and depression and anxiety as well as other negative emotional states to better understand the time pattern and interplay between these factors.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Substance Use

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