Research study · Psychiatry Research · 2022
A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders
Verified on PubMed Systematic review or meta-analysis
A 2022 study in Psychiatry Research tested cannabidiol in anxiety. Synthesis of 16 clinical studies indicates CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated with minimal side effects. This review clarifies that while cannabidiol appears safe and shows early promise for psychosis and anxiety, current evidence is insufficient to support its routine clinical use for any psychiatric.
In plain language
Study overview
While cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a favorable safety profile and preliminary signals of efficacy in psychosis and anxiety, there is currently inadequate high-quality evidence to support its use for any psychiatric disorder. Clinicians must advise patients regarding the lack of product regulation, potential for significant CYP450 drug-drug interactions (especially affecting liver transaminases), and the risk of unlabelled THC contamination in commercial formulations.
Findings
Synthesis of 16 clinical studies indicates CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated with minimal side effects. The most promising preliminary findings are for psychotic symptoms and anxiety disorders. There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend clinical use of CBD for any psychiatric disorder. Commercial CBD products are largely unregulated, frequently mislabeled, and often contain unexpected THC.
The deeper readScientific analysis
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a fast-growing avenue for research in psychiatry, and clinicians are challenged with understanding the implications of CBD for treating mental health disorders. The goal of this review is to serve as a guide for mental health professionals by providing an overview of CBD and a synthesis the current evidence within major psychiatric disorders. PubMed and PsycINFO were searched for articles containing the terms “cannabidiol” in addition to major psychiatric disorders and symptoms, yielding 2952 articles. Only randomized controlled trials or within-subject studies investigating CBD as a treatment option for psychiatric disorders (N = 16) were included in the review. Studies were reviewed for psychotic disorders (n = 6), anxiety disorders (n = 3), substance use disorders (tobacco n = 3, cannabis n = 2, opioid n = 1), and insomnia (n = 1). There were no published studies that met inclusion criteria for alcohol or stimulant use disorder, PTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or mood disorders. Synthesis of the CBD literature indicates it is generally safe and well tolerated. The most promising preliminary findings are related to the use of CBD in psychotic symptoms and anxiety. There is currently not enough high-quality evidence to suggest the clinical use of CBD for any psychiatric disorder.
The paper
Citation
Kirkland AE, Fadus MC, Gruber SA, Gray KM, Wilens TE, Squeglia LM A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders. Psychiatry Research (2022). PubMed 34952255 · DOI
Limitations the authors noted
Small sample sizes across reviewed studies. Brief treatment periods. Variable dose ranges (40 mg to 1000 mg). Inconsistent product types (purified vs. full-spectrum). Concurrent or inconsistent use of other psychiatric medications.
In practice
Why this matters
This review clarifies that while cannabidiol appears safe and shows early promise for psychosis and anxiety, current evidence is insufficient to support its routine clinical use for any psychiatric disorder.
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Reviewed by Dr. Caplan on September 24, 2026.
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