# Review of Cannabinoid Clinical Trials for Anxiety and Tourette > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-anxiety-review/ > **Published:** 2026-04-14T19:46:11-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:20:46-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabinoid clinical trials anxiety research showing benefits for anxiety and Tourette syndrome with CBD and THC formulations. --- #### Clinical Takeaway Cannabinoid formulations, particularly those containing CBD alone or in combination with THC, show measurable reductions in anxiety symptoms across multiple anxiety-related disorders, including Tourette syndrome, based on pooled clinical trial data. Effect sizes vary depending on the specific formulation, dose, and disorder being treated, meaning no single cannabinoid product fits all presentations. Clinicians should weigh this emerging evidence alongside individual patient factors, existing treatments, and local regulatory frameworks before considering cannabinoids as part of an [anxiety management](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-and-ptsd-treatment-memory-loss-benefits/) plan. ### #24 Effects of Different Cannabinoid Formulations on Anxiety-Related Disorders, and Tourette Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. **Citation:** Raminelli Adrieli Oliveira et al. *Effects of Different Cannabinoid Formulations on Anxiety-Related Disorders, and Tourette Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.* Cannabis and [cannabinoid research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-in-reward-processing-pain-perception/). 2025. PMID: 40956670. **Study type:** Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis  |  **Topic area:** Anxiety & PTSD  |  **CED Score:** 10 Design: 6 Journal: 1 N: 0 Recency: 2 Pop: 2 Human: 1 Risk: -2 Why This Matters This systematic review and meta-analysis provides clinicians with synthesized evidence to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of specific cannabinoid formulations for [anxiety disorders](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/), enabling more informed prescribing decisions as regulatory frameworks expand access to these compounds. The analysis of different cannabinoid formulations is particularly valuable given the heterogeneity in cannabinoid compositions and delivery methods, which directly impacts clinical outcomes and allows practitioners to differentiate between evidence-supported and unproven therapeutic claims. With [anxiety disorders](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) representing a significant clinical burden and patients increasingly seeking cannabinoid-based alternatives, this evidence synthesis helps clinicians balance therapeutic potential against documented risks in shared decision-making with patients. **Quality Gate Alerts:** - Preclinical only **Abstract:** Introduction: Cannabinoid formulations have been increasingly proposed as therapeutic potential options for anxiety disorders (ADs). Several countries have expanded regulatory frameworks facilitating access to these compounds due to their alleged [therapeutic benefits](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/), including their application in ADs. Given its public health significance, we evaluated existing evidence regarding the efficacy of different medical cannabinoids as interventions for ADs and related mental conditions. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scielo, and Lilacs databases. We included randomized controlled trials (RTCs) assessing the effects of various cannabinoid formulations on patients with ADs and related conditions. Distinct meta-analyses were performed for cannabinoid subtypes. Analyses were conducted using Jamovi software, relying on standardized mean difference (SMD) calculations of pre/post-intervention score changes for both intervention and control groups. Results: We incorporated 21 placebo-controlled RCTs, examining cannabinoid interventions in social anxiety disorder (SAD = 5), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD = 1), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD = 7), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD = 1), and Tourette syndrome (TS = 7). Data extraction indicated considerable heterogeneity across outcomes, including clinical symptoms, neuroimaging findings, well-being, psychosocial functioning, safety, and tolerability. In studies utilizing pure or enriched CBD, the meta-analytic measure indicated a nonsignificant difference (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI: -0.84/0.03). However, a subgroup analysis of pure CBD compounds yielded a moderate, statistically significant effect size (SMD: -0.61, 95% CI: -1.15/-0.07). For studies investigating pure or enriched delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the meta-analytic measure was -0.65 (95% CI: -1.06/-0.24), suggesting a moderate, significant effect favoring Δ9-THC-dominant compounds. In meta-analyses Clinical Perspective While this systematic review addresses growing clinical interest in cannabinoids for anxiety disorders, several important limitations warrant cautious interpretation of the findings. The heterogeneity of cannabinoid formulations, dosing regimens, and study populations makes it difficult to establish clear dose-response relationships or identify which patients might benefit most, and publication bias toward positive results remains a persistent challenge in [cannabis research](https://cedclinic.com/pediatric-cannabis-certification-care-children/). Additionally, most existing trials are small and short-term, leaving questions about long-term safety and efficacy unresolved, particularly regarding potential paradoxical anxiety increases or cognitive effects that some patients experience. Given these caveats, current evidence suggests cannabinoids may have a role in [anxiety management](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-and-ptsd-treatment-memory-loss-benefits/) for select patients, but clinicians should view them as adjunctive rather than first-line agents and maintain realistic expectations during shared decision-making conversations about the strength and durability of the evidence base. [Full Article](https://doi.org/10.1177/25785125251378242)  |  [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40956670/) Further Reading CED Clinic Blog[10 Powerful Ways Cannabis Supports Children’s Behavior](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-for-childrens-behavior/) CED Clinic Blog[Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Alternative for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: From Bench Research to Confirmation in Human Trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) Research Digest[Daily Digest 2026-03-07](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-psychiatric-outcomes-2026-digest/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Cannabinoids for Anxiety & Tourette's: Evidence from Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in Cannabis Research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-formulations-anxiety-disorders-evidence-reviews/) Comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses provide insights into the efficacy of cannabinoids for anxiety and Tourette's symptoms. [Read Systematic Reviews](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-formulations-anxiety-disorders-evidence-reviews/) [Cannabinoid Clinical Trials for Anxiety and Tourette Syndrome](https://cedclinic.com/effects-cannabinoid-formulations-anxiety-clinical-trials/) Detailed examination of randomized controlled trials assessing cannabinoids in anxiety and Tourette syndrome treatment. [Explore Clinical Trials](https://cedclinic.com/effects-cannabinoid-formulations-anxiety-clinical-trials/) [Cannabinoid Formulations for Anxiety and Tourette Syndrome](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-formulations-anxiety-treatment/) Analysis of different cannabinoid formulations and their impact on anxiety-related disorders and Tourette syndrome. [Learn About Formulations](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-formulations-anxiety-treatment/) Have thoughts on this? 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