CBD for Anxiety: First Phase 3 Trial Shows Significant Benefit
What Researchers Found About Anxiety and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2024
Researchers
Multiple sites across India (India)
Study Type
Randomized Controlled TrialParticipants
178 patients · 15 weeks
Key Finding
The study met both primary (GAD-7 and HAM-A scores) and secondary outcomes (CGI-I, CGI-S, PHQ-9 and PSQI scores). CBD significantly improved anxiety symptoms compared to placebo.
Key Finding: The study met both primary (GAD-7 and HAM-A scores) and secondary outcomes (CGI-I, CGI-S, PHQ-9 and PSQI scores). CBD significantly improved anxiety symptoms compared to placebo.
What Researchers Studied About Anxiety and Cannabis
This Phase 3 clinical trial evaluated nanodispersible cannabidiol (CBD) oral solution versus placebo for treating mild to moderate anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders affected approximately 301 million individuals worldwide in 2019.
Current therapies have limited response rates, residual symptoms, and adverse effects, creating an unmet need for new treatments.
How This Randomized Controlled Trial Was Conducted
This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 15-week cohort study.
The trial took place at multiple sites across India.
178 participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive CBD (n=89) or placebo (n=89).
Primary outcomes: GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) and HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) scores.
Secondary outcomes: CGI-I, CGI-S (Clinical Global Impression), PHQ-9 (depression), and PSQI (sleep quality) scores.
Anxiety Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Study MET both primary outcomes (GAD-7 and HAM-A)
- 2Study MET all secondary outcomes (CGI-I, CGI-S, PHQ-9, PSQI)
- 3GAD-7 score significantly improved with CBD vs placebo
- 4HAM-A score significantly improved with CBD vs placebo
- 5Clinical Global Impression scores improved
- 6Depression (PHQ-9) scores improved
- 7Sleep quality (PSQI) scores improved
- 8178 participants completed the 15-week trial
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 178 patients | Randomized 1:1 to CBD (89) or placebo (89) |
| 15 weeks | Duration of the Phase 3 trial |
| Met primary | Both GAD-7 and HAM-A primary outcomes achieved |
| Met secondary | All secondary outcomes (CGI, PHQ-9, PSQI) also achieved |
Randomized 1:1 to CBD (89) or placebo (89)
Duration of the Phase 3 trial
Both GAD-7 and HAM-A primary outcomes achieved
All secondary outcomes (CGI, PHQ-9, PSQI) also achieved
What This Means for Anxiety Patients
This is important news for anxiety sufferers: a Phase 3 randomized trial found CBD significantly improved anxiety symptoms.
178 patients with mild to moderate anxiety were randomized to CBD or placebo for 15 weeks.
The trial met ALL its endpoints: - Primary outcomes (GAD-7 and HAM-A anxiety scales) improved significantly with CBD - Depression scores improved - Sleep quality improved - Overall clinical impression improved
This is one of the most rigorous trials of CBD for anxiety to date, using gold-standard Phase 3 methodology.
The CBD formulation used was a nanodispersible oral solution, which may have better absorption than standard CBD products.
This provides strong evidence that CBD can help anxiety, though results may not apply to all CBD products or formulations.
Quick Answers: Anxiety and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does CBD oil help anxiety?
Yes. A 2024 Phase 3 RCT of 178 patients found CBD oral solution significantly improved anxiety (GAD-7 and HAM-A scales), depression (PHQ-9), and sleep quality (PSQI) over 15 weeks compared to placebo. All endpoints were met.
Source: Gundugurti et al., Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2024 (PMID: 38797087)
What is the best evidence for CBD and anxiety?
Strong evidence from 2024 Phase 3 RCT. 178 patients with mild-moderate anxiety were randomized to CBD or placebo for 15 weeks. The study met all primary (GAD-7, HAM-A) and secondary (CGI, PHQ-9, PSQI) endpoints.
Source: Gundugurti et al., Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2024 (PMID: 38797087)
Does CBD help depression too?
Yes, as a secondary outcome. CBD also improved depression scores (PHQ-9). However, the study was designed for anxiety, not depression, so this was not the primary focus.
Source: Gundugurti et al., Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2024 (PMID: 38797087)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Conducted in India (may not generalize globally)
- Specific nanodispersible CBD formulation
- Mild to moderate anxiety only
- 15 weeks (long-term effects unknown)
- Specific dose not mentioned in abstract
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Anxiety
This Phase 3 RCT of 178 patients with mild-moderate anxiety found CBD significantly improved anxiety (GAD-7, HAM-A), depression (PHQ-9), and sleep (PSQI) over 15 weeks compared to placebo. All primary and secondary endpoints were met. This provides strong evidence for CBD's anxiolytic effect, though the specific nanodispersible formulation may not reflect all CBD products.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Anxiety, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
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Source
Gundugurti PR, Banda N, Yadlapalli SSR, et al. "Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of nanodispersible cannabidiol oral solution (150mg/mL) versus placebo in mild to moderate anxiety subjects: A double blind multicenter randomized clinical trial" Asian Journal of Psychiatry. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104073
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
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Data Sources
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FAQs: Cannabis for Anxiety
Does CBD help anxiety?
Yes, based on this Phase 3 trial. 178 patients with mild-moderate anxiety were randomized to CBD or placebo for 15 weeks. CBD significantly improved anxiety scores (GAD-7 and HAM-A) compared to placebo.
Is there clinical trial evidence for CBD and anxiety?
Yes. This 2024 Phase 3 RCT met all primary and secondary endpoints, showing CBD significantly improved anxiety, depression, and sleep quality over 15 weeks in 178 patients.
How long does CBD take to work for anxiety?
Significant improvement by 15 weeks. The abstract does not specify when effects began, as the trial measured outcomes at study end, not interim timepoints.