Anxiety disorders
Mixed evidence for CBD, with an unusual dose-response. THC can make anxiety worse — careful, individualised prescribing matters most here.
Last reviewed 15 June 2026 · Education, not medical advice
A large evidence base, but the demonstrated effect is small or inconsistent.
Can medicinal cannabis help with anxiety in NZ?
Mixed evidence for anxiety. Mixed evidence for CBD, with an unusual dose-response. THC can make anxiety worse — careful, individualised prescribing matters most here.There is no fixed list of qualifying conditions in NZ — whether it's appropriate for you is a clinical judgement for a registered doctor. This is education, not a treatment recommendation.
What the evidence says
A 2024 review of 15 RCTs found about 40% positive (notably CBD around 300 mg for performance and public-speaking anxiety) and about 60% negative, with an inverted-U dose-response — two trials found 600 mg actually increased anxiety. THC, by contrast, can worsen anxiety and trigger panic or paranoia, especially at higher doses and in anxiety-prone people, so it is generally avoided. This is an area where honest conversation with a clinician is essential; never self-treat a mental-health condition.
Cannabinoids studied
- CBD
Key cautions
- THC may worsen anxiety and panic — generally avoided.
- Optimal CBD dose is unclear (inverted-U response).
- Few head-to-head comparisons with standard anxiety medicines.
Sources
Peer-reviewed reviews, trial data and official guidance. We never fabricate figures.
What to do next
If you think medicinal cannabis might help with anxiety, the next step is a conversation with a registered New Zealand doctor, who can weigh your individual situation. Start with your own GP or a clinic that focuses on cannabis medicine. Our step-by-step pathway walks through the whole process, and our self-check can help you prepare.
This is general information, not medical advice. Only a registered New Zealand doctor can decide whether medicinal cannabis is right for you.
Reviewed for accuracy by the mc.nz editorial team against the cited sources. Last reviewed 15 June 2026.