M.F.S. Sampaio, Y.B. de Paiva, L.E. Lopes-Santos, F.V.C. Sanguedo, F.S. Neves, M.G. Pereira, N.C. Coimbra
Published: February 14, 2024
Genet. Mol. Res. 23(1): GMR19167
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr19167
Cite this Article:
M.F.S. Sampaio, Y.B. de Paiva, L.E. Lopes-Santos, F.V.C. Sanguedo, F.S. Neves, M.G. Pereira, N.C. Coimbra (2024). Medicinal Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of depression and anxiety: a literature review. Genet. Mol. Res. 23(1): GMR19167. https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr19167
About the Authors
M.F.S. Sampaio, Y.B. de Paiva, L.E. Lopes-Santos, F.V.C. Sanguedo, F.S. Neves, M.G. Pereira, N.C. Coimbra
Corresponding Author
M.F.S. Sampaio
Email: mfss.sampaio@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
About 350 million people worldwide are affected by depression, which is often accompanied by other comorbidities such as anxiety. Research on the use of cannabinoids for these debilitating mental illnesses has advanced. However, although Cannabis has putative therapeutic use for the treatment of both psychiatric and neurological diseases due to psychotropic and non-psychotropic effects of cannabinoid components of Cannabis sativa on the central nervous system, there is resistance in some countries due to regulations for the use of these substances. Given the diversity of different preparations characteristics, either containing natural phytocannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoids, successful implementation of cannabis therapy will require considerable research. It has to be considered that the endocannabinoid system is complex; each neurological disease has its particular pathophysiology. Therefore, it is a challenge to obtain a pharmaceutical product with an adequate profile for each patient. This review examined the results of preclinical and clinical studies that focused on cannabinoid therapy for depression and anxiety disorders. Searches were carried out in international databases, including studies that presented consistent data on medical cannabis in depression and anxiety. Published studies provide weak scientific evidence concerning improvement of the symptoms of these mental disorders. More preclinical studies are needed that involve the various pathological conditions, as well as placebo controlled, double-blind and randomized clinical trials. We need robust data that can better evaluate dependence and other consequences of prolonged use of these compounds.
Key words: Cannabinoids, Depression and anxiety disorders, Endocannabinoid system, Medicinal Cannabis.