Latest reporting
The association between cannabis and depression: an updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
A Kaiser Permanente analysis finds teens who used cannabis at 13-17 were more likely to receive diagnoses of psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety in young adulthood. The science is clear. The cultural frame hasn't caught up.
What Weed Cannot Fix: The Lancet Review on Cannabinoids and Mental Health
The Lancet Psychiatry 2026 meta-analysis of 54 RCTs and 2,477 participants is the most comprehensive review yet of cannabinoids for mental health and substance use disorders. Here is what it actually found.
The Largest Study on Cannabis and Mental Health Found No Evidence It Works for Depression, Anxiety, or PTSD
The medical cannabis industry has built much of its consumer-facing argument on three claims: that cannabis products treat anxiety, that they relieve depression, and that they help with PTSD. These cl
Through eight lenses
Science
CB1/CB2 receptor system, THC partial agonist, CBD complex pharmacology, synthetic cannabinoids as full agonists.
Biology
Acute cognitive effects, cardiovascular risk underappreciated, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, dose-response with potency.
Psychology
Cannabis Use Disorder is real (~9% lifetime risk among users, higher w/ daily use), psychosis risk in predisposed individuals with high-potency concentrates.
Policy
Federal schedule I, state-by-state patchwork, 2018 Farm Bill loophole birthing Delta-8/HHC/THC-O.
Cannabis Has Been Legal in Thirty-Eight States. There Is Still No FDA-Approved Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder.
Jun 4SAMHSA's New Advisory Tells Doctors: Cannabis Use Disorder Is Real, and You Need to Screen for It
May 25The First Cannabis-Rescheduling Comment Deadline Is Tomorrow. The Decision That Matters Lands June 29.
May 21
Trends
Potency has tripled since 2000; daily-use rates rising; vaping concentrates among youth.
Treatment
No FDA-approved meds; CBT, MET, contingency management.
The Largest Study on Cannabis and Mental Health Found No Evidence It Works for Depression, Anxiety, or PTSD
Jun 12Cannabis Has Been Legal in Thirty-Eight States. There Is Still No FDA-Approved Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder.
Jun 4SAMHSA's New Advisory Tells Doctors: Cannabis Use Disorder Is Real, and You Need to Screen for It
May 25
Harm Reduction
Start low/go slow, avoid mixing, be cautious with edibles (delayed onset → redosing), synthetic cannabinoid (K2) toxicity is qualitatively different and severe.