Can CBD Help With Anxiety? What 72 Patients Experienced
What Researchers Found About Anxiety and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
The Permanente Journal, 2019
Researchers
Wholeness Center (United States)
Study Type
Observational StudyParticipants
72 patients · 3 months
Key Finding
79.2% of patients experienced decreased anxiety within the first month of CBD treatment, and 66.7% reported improved sleep—effects that remained stable over 3 months.
Key Finding: 79.2% of patients experienced decreased anxiety within the first month of CBD treatment, and 66.7% reported improved sleep—effects that remained stable over 3 months.
What Researchers Studied About Anxiety and Cannabis
Researchers wanted to know: Can CBD—the non-intoxicating component of cannabis—help people with anxiety and sleep problems in a real-world clinical setting?
They tracked 72 adults who came to a psychiatric clinic with anxiety or sleep complaints and were treated with CBD as part of their care.
This matters because anxiety affects 40 million Americans, and many are seeking alternatives to traditional medications with fewer side effects.
How This Observational Study Was Conducted
This was a retrospective case series at a psychiatric outpatient clinic. Researchers reviewed records of patients who:
• Had anxiety as a primary concern (or sleep secondary to anxiety) • Were treated with CBD (25mg/day in capsule form) • Completed monthly anxiety and sleep assessments
Patients were followed for 3 months with standardized anxiety (HAM-A) and sleep quality measurements.
Anxiety Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 179.2% of patients had decreased anxiety scores in the first month
- 266.7% reported improved sleep in the first month
- 3Anxiety scores remained decreased throughout the 3-month study
- 4Sleep improvements fluctuated more than anxiety improvements
- 5CBD was well-tolerated with only 3 patients reporting side effects
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 79.2% | experienced decreased anxiety in the first month |
| 66.7% | reported improved sleep |
| 25mg | daily CBD dose used |
| 3 | patients (4.2%) reported side effects |
experienced decreased anxiety in the first month
reported improved sleep
daily CBD dose used
patients (4.2%) reported side effects
What This Means for Anxiety Patients
If you struggle with anxiety, this study offers encouraging news about CBD:
What the results suggest: • Nearly 4 in 5 patients experienced reduced anxiety • Effects appeared within the first month and remained stable • The dose used was relatively low (25mg/day) • Side effects were rare and mild
Keep in mind: This wasn't a placebo-controlled trial, so we can't be certain CBD caused all the improvements. However, the results align with other research showing CBD's anxiety-reducing potential.
If you're considering CBD for anxiety, discuss it with your healthcare provider to determine if it's appropriate alongside or instead of other treatments.
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 help with anxiety?
Yes, CBD may help with anxiety. A 2019 clinical study found 79% of patients had less anxiety within one month using just 25mg CBD daily, with effects staying stable for 3+ months (Shannon et al., The Permanente Journal).
Source: Shannon et al., The Permanente Journal, 2019 (PMID: 30624194)
How much CBD should I take for anxiety?
Studies used 25mg daily. In a 2019 clinical study, 25mg CBD daily showed results, with 79% of patients experiencing reduced anxiety at this dose. Starting low may be effective.
Source: Shannon et al., The Permanente Journal, 2019 (PMID: 30624194)
How fast does CBD work for anxiety?
Within one month for most patients. In a 2019 study, 79% of patients experienced decreased anxiety within the first month, and benefits stayed stable over three months of continued use.
Source: Shannon et al., The Permanente Journal, 2019 (PMID: 30624194)
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:
- No placebo control group for comparison
- Patients knew they were taking CBD (no blinding)
- Small sample size (72 patients)
- Single clinic setting may not represent all populations
- Patients were also receiving other psychiatric care
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Anxiety
This real-world clinical study found that most patients with anxiety experienced meaningful improvement with CBD, and it was well-tolerated. While not definitive proof, it adds to growing evidence that CBD may help manage anxiety symptoms.
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.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Co-Occurring Conditions (2024)
- Medical Cannabis for Cancer Patients: Real-World Results
- Does Cannabis Help or Hurt Your Sleep? What Research Shows
- Can Cannabis Treat Mental Health Conditions? The Evidence
- CBD for Sleep: What the Latest Clinical Trial Found
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. "Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series" The Permanente Journal. 2019. DOI: 10.7812/TPP/18-041
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 7 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
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 24, 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.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Anxiety
Does CBD help with anxiety according to research?
Yes, research shows CBD may help anxiety. A 2019 clinical study found that 79.2% of patients experienced decreased anxiety within the first month of taking 25mg CBD daily, with effects remaining stable over 3 months.
How much CBD was used in the anxiety study?
25mg daily showed results in research. Patients in this study took 25mg of CBD per day in capsule form, which is a relatively low dose compared to some products on the market.
Can CBD help with sleep problems?
Yes, 66.7% reported improved sleep. In this study, 66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in the first month of CBD treatment, though sleep improvements were more variable than anxiety improvements over time.