Cannabis is not effective for treating mental health disorders — The Guardian
Cannabis is not an effective treatment for most mental disorders, despite its widespread use around the world.
These are the findings of a major scientific review, according to The Guardian.
The study was conducted by researchers from Australia and the United Kingdom, who analyzed 54 randomized controlled trials involving more than 2,400 people. The results were published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry.
The researchers found that there is very little or no evidence of the effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and addictions.
There is also insufficient evidence of effectiveness for ADHD, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In particular, no evidence of benefit for depression was found.
Researchers emphasize that regular use of cannabis to treat mental disorders is currently rarely justified.
At the same time, in some cases, cannabis-based medications may help—specifically with insomnia, Tourette syndrome, or reducing dependence on cannabis itself.
Industry representatives disagree with these conclusions and claim that in real-world practice, cannabis can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and PTSD.
The Finnish Parliament rejected a bill submitted via a public initiative that would have legalized cannabis.
