Despite increasing self and prescribed cannabis for mental illnesses, current knowledge about the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medicine in psychiatry is still limited. 1
There is increasing evidence that cannabinoids may improve symptoms in autism spectrum disorder, Tourette syndrome, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The starting dose of THC-containing products should be low (1–2.5 mg THC/day), and the dose should be up-titrated slowly (by 1–2.5 mg every 3–5 days). The average daily dose is 10–20 mg THC. In contrast, cannabidiol (CBD) is mainly used in high doses >400 mg/day.
Caution is recommended with THC products in adolescents due to the risk of psychosis.
There is a need for high-quality research on cannabis for mental illness.
As published in NZ Doctor and Research Review
