Study: Medical Marijuana, Especially CBD-Rich Enteral Products, Reduces Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management analyzed data from 1,962 cancer patients enrolled in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program. Patients self-reported anxiety and depression scores after 30 days of cannabis use, with results linked to product type, cannabinoid content, and route of administration. The findings show that anxiety improvements were strongly associated with higher daily doses of CBD. Patients consuming more than 14.3 mg of CBD per day reported significantly greater reductions in anxiety than those taking lower amounts. Enteral products—such as capsules, gummies, and oral suspensions—were also tied to better outcomes for both anxiety and depression compared to other forms like inhalation or topicals, although they as well resulted in relief for patients. On average, anxiety symptoms improved by 24.8%, while depression scores improved by 25.6%.

Interestingly, THC levels and THC-to-CBD ratios were not consistently linked to changes in depression, though CBD appeared beneficial for easing anxiety. The study suggests that sustained-release enteral products, particularly those higher in CBD, may offer a more reliable path to symptom relief.

“This study of cancer patients in Minnesota suggests that patterns of cannabis use that include relatively higher doses of CBD taken enterally may improve the quality of life of cancer survivors who report anxiety and depression” states the study’s researchers. “This study constructs a foundation for future research to improve the tailoring of cannabis-related educational materials to patients’ needs and inform the training of healthcare professionals on how to recommend cannabis products for cancer survivors.”

The full text of the study can be found here.