Exploring the Growth of Medical Cannabis Research

While medical cannabis is not routinely recommended by NICE for mental health conditions, a 2026 review in The Lancet Psychiatry reported that cannabis‑derived medicines, especially those rich in cannabidiol (CBD), have shown potential benefits for symptoms such as anxiety‑related sleep disturbance and PTSD‑associated insomnia, underscoring the importance of ongoing clinical research¹. For World 420 day we’re highlighting the research into the potential benefits of medical cannabis.

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a substance generally used as a relaxant or mild intoxicant. It comes in a variety of forms including oil, herbal, and hash. Currently, cannabis is controlled as a class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, meaning it is illegal to use, grow, and sell it recreationally in the UK. However, cannabis-based medicines were legalised under UK law in 2018 allowing doctors to prescribe these treatments to patients for a wide range of conditions².

How can cannabis treat medical conditions?

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis responsible for psychological effects when consumed. The main psychoactive chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which induces mild euphoria and hallucinations. The other significant cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBT) which has a more sedative, relaxant effect on the body³.

Currently, very few people are likely to be prescribed medical cannabis in the UK. Examples include children and adults with rare, severe forms of epilepsy, adults with vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy, and people with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) ⁴. However, there is increasingly more research into the effects of cannabis on other conditions.

Cannabis’ effect on anxiety

Cannabis can interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system in the body that influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more, which is why it could work for so many different conditions, including anxiety⁵. 

One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes:

• CB1 – found mostly in the brain and spinal cord, they’re involved in regulating movement, memory, mood, and how we process pain and other sensory input.
• CB2 – found more in immune cells, they help regulate inflammation and respond to injury or disease⁶.

THC can potentially interact with the CB1 receptors and reduce anxiety⁷ and there’s evidence to suggest CBD can potentially interact with a type of serotonin receptor in the body, which also contributes to anti-anxiety effects⁸.

Results from an online survey published in the Journal of Affective Disorders showed a 58% reduction in anxiety and stress following cannabis use in participants⁹.

How is cannabis used for neurological conditions?

As mentioned above, cannabis is occasionally prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy and MS, but that’s only a small part of the cannabis for neurological conditions picture. People living with Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain, and other neurological conditions are also turning to cannabinoid treatment options for relief from tremors, muscle stiffness, anxiety, nerve pain, insomnia, and other symptoms⁶.

THC and CBD blends can help reduce muscle spasticity and stiffness in MS patients who haven’t responded well to standard therapies. THC was reported to support pain relief and sleep for MS patients with mostly positive effects despite mild side effects like drowsiness or reduced concentration¹⁰.

Can it be used to treat chronic pain?

More than 1 in 5 adults in the UK live with chronic pain, and the risk increases as we age¹¹. The increase in research into medical cannabis as an alternative therapy for chronic pain management in elderly patients has revealed several potential advantages for the use of cannabinoids, including sleep improvement, reduction of anxiety, agitation, and stress.

However, the adverse effects from the drug suggests more controlled trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of CBD and THC for the management of chronic pain¹².

Drive change in healthcare research

MAC is leading the way in the development of pioneering potential new treatments for a wide range of conditions.

We are currently investigating a psychoactive medication derived from psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms), which could lead to changes in mood and perception and could help alleviate symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD).

If eligible to take part in either trial, you will receive compensation for your time and commitment, plus travel expenses or transport for visits. Find out more on our current trials webpage.

1. The Lancet Psychiatry (2026) – The efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and substance use disorders
2. GOV.UK – Government announces that medicinal cannabis is legal
3. Britannica – Cannabinoids
4. NHS – Medical cannabis (and cannabis oils)
5. Alternaleaf – Cannabis for Anxiety: Everything You Need to Know
6. Releaf – How medical cannabis helps manage neurological conditions
7. PubMed – CB1 receptor stimulation in specific brain areas differently modulate anxiety-related behaviour
8. PubMed – Cannabidiol Acts at 5-HT_1A Receptors in the Human Brain: Relevance for Treating Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
9. ScienceDirect – A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect
10. Springer Nature – Therapeutic use of medical cannabis in neurological diseases
11. NHS – Health Survey for England, 2024 (Chronic pain)
12. Journal of Pain Research – The effectiveness and safety of CBD and THC in Older Patients with Chronic Pain