Impact of Including Anxiety as a Qualifying Condition in Medical Cannabis Programs

Recent research from the University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins University has revealed significant changes in Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program following the addition of anxiety disorders as a qualifying condition. Just months after this inclusion, anxiety quickly rose to be the leading diagnosis for cannabis certifications, highlighting a notable shift in patient profiles. The study, published in the nnals of Internal Medicine,xamined data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, covering over 1.7 million cannabis certifications issued between November 2017 and December 2023.

Initially, chronic pain was the predominant justification for certification, accounting for approximately 67%, with PTSD at 16%. However, after anxiety was formally recognized, these figures declined to 41% for chronic pain and 11% for PTSD, while anxiety diagnoses surged to 60%, often listed alongside other conditions. This rapid increase indicates that expanding the list of qualifying conditions can significantly alter the composition of medical cannabis programs.

Despite these changes, the study noted that the overall size and participant behavior within the program remain unclear, especially regarding how many patients switched diagnoses or enrolled initially for anxiety. Experts from the research team pointed out that while cannabis has some evidence supporting its use for chronic pain, there is limited proof of its effectiveness for anxiety disorders. This raises concerns about patient perceptions and the potential for overestimating cannabis as a treatment for anxiety.

Dr. Coleman Drake emphasized the importance of filling research gaps to better understand cannabis's therapeutic roles, especially as market dynamics and usage patterns evolve. The study underscores the need for more rigorous scientific evidence to guide policy and clinical practice in medical cannabis use.

This development reflects a broader trend among states, with 39 currently having medical cannabis programs that historically prioritized conditions like chronic pain and PTSD. The inclusion of anxiety demonstrates a shift toward broader acceptance but also emphasizes the necessity for continued research to ensure safe and effective treatment options.

For more insights, read the full study: Link to study.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-medical-cannabis-drastically-adding-anxiety.html