Researchers have published a wide range of studies in 2026 examining cannabis and cannabinoids in relation to anxiety, with findings spanning people being treated specifically for anxiety as well as anxiety associated with chronic pain, autism, cancer, endometriosis and other conditions.
The research ranges from human observational studies and randomized clinical trials to laboratory and animal experiments involving cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), full-spectrum marijuana products and lesser-known cannabis compounds.
As of September 28, The Marijuana Herald has reported on at least 17 cannabis studies published in 2026 that directly examined anxiety or included anxiety as a meaningful measured outcome. The full list is below, with each title linking to our original coverage and, in turn, to the study itself.
Human Studies and Clinical Research
Study: Medical Cannabis Linked to Sustained Improvements in Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Over Two Years
Researchers analyzing 698 patients from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry found cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with significant improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep and quality of life over two years. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores improved at every measured follow-up point.
Randomized Controlled Trial Finds CBD May Reduce Anxiety and Perceived Effort in Runners
A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving recreational runners found that 300 milligrams of CBD increased feelings of calmness and relaxation while reducing perceived exertion during running. Researchers reported a 21% increase in calmness and a 22% increase in relaxation compared with placebo.
Study Published in Canadian Journal of Pain Finds Medical Marijuana Linked to Improvements in Pain, Anxiety, Mental Health and Quality of Life
A prospective Canadian study of patients using medical marijuana for chronic pain found statistically significant improvements in anxiety, depressive symptoms, pain and quality of life over 24 weeks. Researchers cautioned that changes in several measures did not reach established thresholds for minimum clinically important differences.
Study: Cannabis-Based Treatments Linked to Long-Term Improvements in Migraine Symptoms, Anxiety and Quality of Life
Researchers following 203 migraine patients prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products found significant improvements in anxiety, sleep quality and overall quality of life, along with improvements in migraine-related outcomes. Benefits were observed during follow-up periods extending as long as two years.
Medical Cannabis Products Linked to Improved Anxiety, Sleep and Quality of Life in Autistic Adults
Researchers examining 130 autistic adults in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry found cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with significant improvements in anxiety and sleep quality over 18 months. Health-related quality of life also improved, although the study did not include a control group.
Study: Medical Cannabis Associated With Sustained Endometriosis Pain Relief and Lower Opioid Use Over Two Years
A study involving 101 women with endometriosis found medical marijuana was associated with sustained improvements in pain, anxiety, sleep and quality of life over two years. Researchers also reported reductions in opioid use among participants.
Medical Marijuana Linked to Significant Improvements in Chronic Pain, Anxiety and PTSD, Study Finds
A prospective study of 522 medical marijuana patients included 222 people being treated primarily for anxiety. Average Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores fell from 13.2 before treatment to 6.4 after three months. Among anxiety patients who completed 12 months of follow-up, scores declined from 13.0 to 5.1.
Medical Cannabis Associated With Sustained Pain and Sleep Improvements in Inflammatory Arthritis Patients, Study Finds
Researchers examining 192 patients with inflammatory arthritis found cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with improvements in several patient-reported outcomes. Anxiety scores improved significantly during the first three months of treatment, while improvements in pain, sleep and quality of life persisted longer.
Study Finds Medical Cannabis Linked to Long-Term Improvements in Hypermobility-Related Chronic Pain, Anxiety and Sleep
An analysis of 240 patients with hypermobility-associated chronic pain found cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with sustained improvements in pain, anxiety and sleep. Researchers reported improvements extending through 24 months of follow-up.
Clinical Trial Finds Medical Cannabis Extracts Improve Cancer-Related Symptoms in About Half of Patients
A randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind trial involving 89 cancer patients found THC-dominant, CBD-dominant and balanced THC-CBD extracts provided meaningful symptom improvement for many participants. Among patients whose primary symptom was anxiety, 60% responded to at least one marijuana extract, with anxiety among the symptoms contributing most strongly to overall improvement.
Study Finds Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Associated With Reduced Chronic Pain and Anxiety
A study of 31 patients prescribed a high-CBD full-spectrum cannabis oil included nine people being treated primarily for anxiety. Median Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores fell from 12 to 7 after three months, exceeding the four-point change researchers said is generally considered clinically meaningful.
Study Finds THC-CBD Marijuana Extracts Linked to Reduced Pain, Opioid Use and Anxiety in Women With Endometriosis
A prospective study involving women with endometriosis found balanced THC-CBD oral extracts were associated with improvements in pain, fatigue, disability and anxiety. Researchers reported a highly statistically significant improvement in anxiety among participants who completed treatment.
Preclinical Anxiety Research
Cannabis Compound Cannflavin B Reduced Anxiety and Improved Social Behavior in Autism Model
Cannflavin B, a flavonoid produced by cannabis, reduced anxiety-like behavior and improved social behavior in a rat model of autism. Researchers also identified changes involving neuronal signaling and neuroinflammatory pathways.
Study: CBD Reduces Inflammatory Pain While Improving Anxiety, Depression and Cognitive Symptoms
CBD reduced inflammatory pain while improving anxiety-like behavior, depression-like behavior and working memory in mice with chronic inflammatory pain. Researchers linked the effects to cannabinoid and serotonin-related signaling in areas of the brain involved in pain and emotional processing.
Study: Cannabis Essential Oil Reduces Pain and Nerve Damage in Multiple Sclerosis Model
A non-psychoactive cannabis essential oil reduced pain and nerve damage while improving anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Researchers said the effects appeared to involve cannabinoid CB2 receptor signaling.
CBD May Reduce Neuropathic Pain by Targeting Brain Region Linked to Pain and Emotion, Finds Study
CBD administered directly into the anterior insular cortex reduced anxiety-like and depression-like behavior alongside neuropathic pain in rats. Blocking either CB1 cannabinoid receptors or serotonin 5-HT1A receptors prevented the effects, suggesting both pathways were involved.
Anxiety Risk and Population Research
Prenatal Marijuana Use Not Linked to Increased Risk of Childhood Anxiety or Depression, Study Finds
A study tracking 115,533 children found marijuana use during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of childhood anxiety or depressive disorders through age 13 after researchers adjusted for demographic, health and substance-use factors.
