CBD or THC – which is better for depression?

New study: CBD is more effective than THC for treating depression

A new observational study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that medical cannabis dominated by cannabidiol ( CBD ) may be more effective in treating depression compared to cannabis dominated by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The study involved 538 participants suffering from depression, anxiety, or both. Of this group, 368 participants were already using medical cannabis, while the remaining 170 had not yet started but were considering trying it. The study was the result of a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore and the Realm of Caring Foundation.

Long-term effects of medical cannabis

To assess the long-term effects of medical cannabis on participants, researchers asked them to complete surveys that measured their quality of life, chronic pain levels, sleep problems, and the severity of their anxiety and depression. These surveys were completed every three months for four years (from April 2016 to July 2020). The researchers compared the results between cannabis users and non-users.

Study Results: CBD vs. THC

The analysis shows that medical cannabis can reduce symptoms of depression. Cannabis users report fewer depressive symptoms, better sleep, less pain, and improved quality of life compared to those who do not use cannabis. The effects are rapid, with people experiencing a significant reduction in depressive symptoms soon after starting medical cannabis use.

Additionally, researchers found that CBD-dominant cannabis was more effective in reducing depressive symptoms than THC-dominant cannabis. Participants who used CBD -dominant products reported significantly lower depression scores compared to those who used THC-dominant products.

The way forward: More clinical research needed

Although this study relied on self-reports from participants, the researchers hope the results will encourage more clinical research into medical cannabis as a treatment for depression. With the number of people turning to medical cannabis after traditional depression treatments fail, the need for more data in this area is becoming increasingly urgent.