Measuring the Effects of Cannabis on Anxiety and Depression Among Cancer Patients

Cancer patients are increasingly turning to cannabis products to modulate physical and psychological symptoms despite limited evidence supporting their efficacy. We aimed to explore cancer patients' self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms in response to cannabis use.

This longitudinal study examined how patient-reported anxiety and depression symptoms varied according to the dose, ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD), and route of administration of cannabis products among cancer patients. Change in self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms was evaluated in 1962 cancer patients after 30 days of enrollment in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program.

Anxiety scores improved more in patients taking higher doses of CBD (> 14.3 mg/day) compared to those taking lower doses (< 4.6 mg/day) and among patients using enteral cannabis products. Depression scores also improved more for patients taking enteral products.

Anxiety scores varied according to the dose of cannabis, the ratio of THC to CBD, and the route of administration of cannabis products. In contrast, depression scores only varied according to the route of administration.

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. 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.