TY - JOUR AU - Sharpe, Lara AU - Sinclair, Justin AU - Kramer, Andrew AU - de Manincor, Michael AU - Sarris, Jerome PY - 2020 DA - 2020/10/02 TI - Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties JO - Journal of Translational Medicine SP - 374 VL - 18 IS - 1 AB - Cannabis has been documented for use in alleviating anxiety. However, certain research has also shown that it can produce feelings of anxiety, panic, paranoia and psychosis. In humans, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been associated with an anxiogenic response, while anxiolytic activity has been attributed mainly to cannabidiol (CBD). In animal studies, the effects of THC are highly dose-dependent, and biphasic effects of cannabinoids on anxiety-related responses have been extensively documented. A more precise assessment is required of both the anxiolytic and anxiogenic potentials of phytocannabinoids, with an aim towards the development of the ‘holy grail’ in cannabis research, a medicinally-active formulation which may assist in the treatment of anxiety or mood disorders without eliciting any anxiogenic effects. SN - 1479-5876 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2 DO - 10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2 ID - Sharpe2020 ER -