Can Marijuana Worsen Anxiety?

Marijuana has long been a topic of interest, particularly as it becomes more widely legalized and supposedly destigmatized. While it’s often viewed as a way to “relax” or “unwind,” the relationship between marijuana use and mental health, particularly involving anxiety, is far more complex. For many people, especially those already living with anxiety, marijuana can sometimes make things worse instead of better.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with both anxiety and marijuana use, it’s important to understand how the two might be connected. And if you find yourself needing additional help, Promises Washburn House’s dual diagnosis treatment programs offer a path toward healing for those experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.

Understanding the Link Between Marijuana Use and Anxiety

Marijuana is often perceived as a stress reliever, but research shows that it doesn’t work that way for everyone. A recent study in Canada revealed that 27% of people who visited an emergency department for cannabis-related issues developed a new anxiety disorder within three years.¹ This effect may stem from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in cannabis. THC is widely recognized for its ability to reduce anxiety at lower doses but can exacerbate it when consumed in higher amounts. However, researchers from a Johns Hopkins Medicine-led team have also found that d-limonene, an essential oil naturally derived from citrus and also present in cannabis, can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and panic. Remarkably, it achieves this without diminishing the desired effects of THC.²

How someone reacts to marijuana can depend on a few things, like how much they use, how often, and their unique biology. Marijuana strains with high levels of THC are linked to more severe anxiety effects compared to strains balanced in cannabidiol (CBD), which appears to mitigate THC’s anxiety-inducing properties. Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder may interact negatively with marijuana use, exacerbating symptoms like racing thoughts or restlessness.

What Are the Troubling Side Effects of Marijuana Use?

While marijuana is often regarded as a “natural” or “safe” substance, it can have significant side effects—many of which are particularly troubling when it comes to mental health. Beyond the immediate cognitive effects, prolonged marijuana use can create a host of both physical and emotional challenges, including heightened anxiety.

Here are some common side effects:

Short-term impairments – Using certain substances can lead to an increased heart rate, which may mimic or trigger feelings of anxiety. It can also cause paranoia, leading to fear or a sense of disconnection from reality. Additionally, memory and concentration may become impaired.
Long-term effects – Dependence and tolerance can develop, leading to increased consumption and more severe side effects over time. Additionally, prolonged use may result in diminished motivation, often referred to as “amotivational syndrome.” Heavy or extended use can also worsen existing anxiety-related disorders or contribute to their onset.

Daily cannabis use is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, compared to those who do not use it.³

What Are the Signs of Marijuana Abuse?

Though marijuana is not always considered addictive, cannabis use disorder (CUD) is very real and can deeply affect a person’s life. Knowing the signs of marijuana abuse can help identify when use has moved from casual to problematic.

Signs of marijuana abuse may include:

Increasing use despite negative effects on health, work, or relationships
Difficulty reducing or stopping use, even when wanting to quit
Withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, or heightened anxiety when not using
Using marijuana as the primary way to manage stress or emotional discomfort
Neglecting responsibilities or activities previously enjoyed in favor of marijuana use

If any of these behaviors resonate with you or someone you know, it may be time to address the impact marijuana is having on mental health and explore options for support.

Can Marijuana Worsen Anxiety?

The short answer is yes—it can. While some people initially turn to marijuana to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, it may have the opposite effect, causing long-term harm. Studies have found direct associations between consistent marijuana use and worsening anxiety symptoms. For example:

Heightened anxiety – While marijuana might feel relaxing at first, it can leave you feeling more anxious once the effects wear off.
Panic attacks – Consuming too much THC can sometimes cause your heart to race and your thoughts to spiral, triggering panic for some people.
Changes to brain chemistry – Using cannabis regularly might disrupt the endocannabinoid system, which helps manage mood and stress, potentially making anxiety worse over time.

If you’re experiencing this cycle, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to weather it by yourself. Recognizing this connection is the first step toward finding relief.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Can Help

For those struggling with both marijuana misuse and anxiety disorders, the most effective approach is dual diagnosis treatment. This approach supports people by treating substance use and mental health challenges together, recognizing how closely connected they are. It offers compassionate, comprehensive care to help people on their path to recovery.

Dual diagnosis treatment often includes:

Therapy – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps reframe thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and substance use, while mindfulness practices focus on building healthy coping mechanisms.
Medical care – Gain access to medications designed to ease anxiety without creating new dependencies, alongside professional supervision to help manage withdrawal symptoms such as increased anxiety.
Support systems – Group therapy, family involvement, and peer support to foster a strong sense of connection during recovery.

Promises Washburn House specializes in supporting people across Massachusetts who face co-occurring disorders, including issues with marijuana and anxiety. Our compassionate approach ensures that clients feel heard and supported throughout their recovery.

Connect with Promises Washburn House and Enroll in Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

Marijuana’s effect on anxiety isn’t always the straightforward relief that some might hope for—in fact, it may worsen underlying issues and introduce new challenges. If you’ve been struggling with anxiety alongside marijuana use, it’s never too late to take control and seek the guidance and care you deserve. At Washburn House, we understand how challenging it can be to face both mental health and substance use struggles. Our dual diagnosis treatment is here to help you find your way back to stability, peace, and hope.

Ready to take the first step? Contact our team online or call 855.298.3104 today. We’re here to support you on your journey to healing.

Footnotes: