In recent years, the growing interest in cannabis as a therapeutic agent for a wide range of health conditions, particularly mental health issues, has captured significant attention in professional sports and across the athletic landscape. While the body of scientific evidence remains in its infancy, several studies have sought to better understand the patterns and potential benefits of cannabis use for treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Notably, the research conducted on Canadian medicinal cannabis patients offers intriguing insights into both the therapeutic potential and the complexities surrounding cannabis as a treatment for mental health conditions.
The Prevalence of Cannabis Use for Anxiety and Depression
In 2019, McMaster University conducted a study to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of cannabis use among Canadian medical cannabis patients for the treatment of anxiety and depression. The study examined data from 2,032 participants registered with a single licensed cannabis producer. Intriguingly, it revealed that a significant 30.6% of patients used cannabis primarily for mental health-related reasons, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
A particularly compelling finding from this study is that 92% of those who had used cannabis reported experiencing improvement in their symptoms, with almost half of respondents indicating that cannabis helped reduce or replace the need for other medications, both psychiatric and non-psychiatric.
The findings from McMaster University’s 2019 study offer a compelling glimpse into the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic tool for mental health, particularly anxiety and depression.
For athletes, the prospect of cannabis serving as a viable alternative to traditional medications is particularly intriguing—especially given its ability to not only address mental health but also reduce reliance on other pharmaceutical treatments.
Real-World Evidence on Cannabis and Mental Health
On September 23, 2024, Avicanna announced a 1,000-patient study through MyMedi.ca focused on the impact of medical cannabis on pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. Led by Dr. Hance Clarke, the study aims to provide real-world evidence on cannabis’s therapeutic potential. As a part of the study, which is scheduled to run over 24 weeks, patients will provide data on the potential reduction in the use of other medications.
The study is particularly significant because it aligns with the growing trend of integrating cannabis into standard care practices. With pain management and mental health issues frequently affecting athletes, understanding how cannabis impacts these areas could potentially redefine recovery protocols in sports medicine.
As with the McMaster study, this real-world evidence study will provide valuable data on cannabis’s safety and efficacy. Randomized controlled trials are essential to understanding the precise mechanisms at work and validating the experiences of athletes and users globally.
The Future of Cannabis in Sports Medicine
While much remains to be understood about the specific impacts of cannabis on mental health, the emerging body of research paints a promising picture. Studies like the one conducted by McMaster University underscore the potential benefits of cannabis for individuals managing anxiety and depression.
As the research community continues to explore cannabis’ role in health and wellness, it is essential that policymakers and healthcare providers embrace a balanced, evidence-based approach to its use.
With proper regulation, research, and education, cannabis may eventually become an integral component of both mental health care and sports medicine—helping to unlock new pathways for healing, recovery, and performance enhancement.
References:
Turna J, Simpson W, Patterson B, Lucas P, Van Amerigen M. Cannabis use behaviors and prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in a cohort of Canadian medicinal cannabis users. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 111L134-149: Are Canadian Medical Cannabis Patients using Cannabis to Treat Mental Health Conditions? https://cannabisresearch.mcmaster.ca/are-canadian-medical-cannabis-patients-using-cannabis-to-treat-mental-health-conditions/
SOURCE Avicanna Inc. 1000 patient study on impact of medical cannabis on pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy Study to be led by Dr. Hance Clarke President of The Canadian Pain Society and the CCIC
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