# Cannabis and Anxiety: Finding Relief Without the Panic > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-and-anxiety-finding-relief-without-the-panic/ > **Published:** 2026-09-07T17:18:29-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:45:22-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Discover how terpene profiles, not just THC and CBD levels, influence cannabis's anxiolytic effects. Essential for clinicians prescribing anxiety relief. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #77 Strong Clinical Relevance High-quality evidence with meaningful patient or clinical significance. AnxietyMental HealthDosingCBDTHCResearchSafety Why This Matters This article matters for clinicians and their patients as it highlights the importance of considering terpene profiles in cannabis strains, rather than just THC and CBD levels, when addressing anxiety symptoms. Understanding the role of terpenes can aid in personalized treatment recommendations to help manage anxiety effectively, thereby improving patient outcomes in clinical practice. Furthermore, this knowledge can contribute to evidence-based cannabis therapy for anxiety disorders. Clinical Summary This study reveals that both indica and sativa strains of cannabis typically have comparable THC and CBD concentrations. However, the significant distinction lies in their terpene profiles, which may influence the therapeutic effects, particularly for anxiety relief. Clinicians should consider a patient’s response to specific terpenes when recommending cannabis strains for managing anxiety symptoms. Dr. Caplan’s Take “In our clinical practice, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the terpene composition of cannabis strains, rather than simply their THC and CBD content, plays a significant role in managing anxiety symptoms. While more research is needed to fully understand these complex interactions, I encourage patients to explore various strains with diverse terpene profiles as part of their personalized treatment approach.” – Dr. Benjamin Caplan, MD Clinical Perspective 🌿 In a recent study, it was found that indica and sativa strains of cannabis, while often categorized differently, tend to have comparable levels of THC and CBD on average. However, the significant distinction lies in their terpene profiles. (1) As healthcare providers, this finding underscores the complexity of cannabis’s effects on anxiety, suggesting that the therapeutic potential may not solely rely on cannabinoid content but also on the specific blend of terpenes. (2) Confounders such as individual sensitivity to terpenes and potential interactions with other medications should be considered when recommending cannabis for anxiety management. (3) Practically, this implies a need for personalized approaches in prescribing cannabis, taking into account each patient’s unique response to different terpene profiles to optimize relief while minimizing the risk of exacerbating anxiety symptoms. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? 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