A recent review of studies addressing associations between cannabis use and onset and course of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD found that cannabis should not be used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, depression and PTSD.
The study, Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Impact on Illness Onset and Course, and Assessment of Therapeutic Potential, published in the American Journal of Addictions https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajad.1296 concluded,
Our results suggest that people with bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD, should be cautioned about continued cannabis use despite the subjective therapeutic relief that is often reported. Furthermore, there may also be implications for public policy about medical marijuana. PTSD, for instance, is already an approved indication for medical marijuana in Canada and several US jurisdictions, which has the potential to minimize public perception of risk.
Drug Free Australia urges that State and Federal Governments explore ways to inform the public of these conclusions, given the number of Australians already using medical cannabis for, particularly, depression and PTSD. The TGA is also urged to inform cannabis clinics advertising the efficacy of medical cannabis for these conditions.
Gary Christian
RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Drug Free Australia
0422 163 141