Researchers have found that people who begin using cannabis to cope with depression, anxiety, or pain are more likely to experience paranoia compared to those who use it casually for fun or curiosity.
The findings come from the Cannabis&Me survey, which included responses from 3,389 adults aged 18 and over who currently or previously used cannabis. None of the participants had a diagnosed history of psychosis.
The study revealed that individuals who turned to marijuana as a form of self-medication tended to show higher levels of paranoia, particularly if they were already experiencing mild psychotic symptoms. Meanwhile, those who reported the lowest paranoia scores were mostly recreational users.
On average, participants consumed about 206 units of THC each week, which equals roughly 10 to 17 joints. However, people using marijuana for depression or anxiety averaged around 248 to 255 units weekly.
In England, medical marijuana on the NHS is available only in rare cases such as certain forms of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or multiple sclerosis. Despite this, a growing number of private clinics across the UK provide cannabis prescriptions, often for depression, anxiety, or pain.
Professor Robin Murray, one of the lead researchers, cautioned that these are the very conditions linked in the study to increased paranoia. He stressed that marijuana, like food or alcohol, has dose-related risks—the more consumed, the higher the chance of negative outcomes.
Dr. Emily Finch, who chairs the addiction faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, highlighted the broader risks, noting that marijuana remains the most widely used illegal substance in the UK. Around one in three people who use it will experience problems at some point in their lives, a rate similar to that of alcohol.
She added that both natural and synthetic cannabinoids carry risks of addiction and long-term mental health harm. Daily use, especially of high-strength marijuana, is strongly linked with depression, low motivation, anxiety, and a fivefold increase in the risk of developing a psychotic disorder, particularly among adolescents.
Dr. Finch urged the government to strengthen addiction and mental health services by providing more staff, funding, and training. She emphasized the importance of early intervention, especially for children and teenagers showing signs of problematic use, to prevent long-term effects.
A related study also using the Cannabis&Me survey revealed that over half of marijuana users reported childhood trauma. Those who experienced emotional or physical abuse scored 35 to 40% higher for paranoia, while survivors of sexual abuse were found to consume the highest levels of THC.
Such studies should cause different jurisdictions to rethink their prohibitionist policies. This is because the lack of regulated markets creates opportunities for people to self-medicate and run the risk of various harms, such as using tainted cannabis products from the black market or failing to be guided appropriately by qualified medical personnel.
On the other hand, letting licensed companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) operate reduces the stigma linked to consuming marijuana and makes users more open when interacting with their doctors.
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