17 Cannabis Studies Published in 2026 Examining Marijuana, Cannabinoids and Anxiety

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.