A new study published in the scientific journal Biomedicines brought encouraging evidence about the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating generalized anxiety, one of the most common mental conditions worldwide that affects millions of Brazilians.

The results pointed to significant clinical improvements after just two weeks of using a hemp extract rich in CBD, reigniting the debate on the use of medical cannabis as an ally in mental health care.
Rapid improvement and mild effects

The research followed 12 patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, who received a full-spectrum sublingual extract, a formulation that combines CBD and small amounts of other cannabinoids, such as THC.
With average daily doses of 30 mg of CBD, participants reported up to a 91% reduction in anxiety symptoms in the first week, as well as improvements in sleep, mood, and energy.

The side effects were mild and self-limiting, such as slight changes in appetite and libido, and in some cases, weight gain. No serious adverse events were recorded.

These findings reinforce what many professionals observe in their daily practice. According to psychiatrist Ana Hounie, from São Paulo, "CBD for anxiety is very effective. Clinical studies are limited to pure CBD in social anxiety, but from clinical experience and based on indirect studies, Full Spectrum products, with a high ratio of CBD to THC, are also effective".

A promising field that calls for more science

Despite the encouraging results, the study is considered preliminary: it was open-label (without a placebo group) and involved a small and homogeneous sample. Nevertheless, it is an important step for using a formulation closer to the products that reach patients and for observing multidimensional improvements, not only in anxiety symptoms but also in overall well-being and cognitive performance.

"I have several patients with Panic Disorder who were refractory to traditional treatments and are doing great with Full Spectrum CBD," reports the psychiatrist.

For Hounie, the next step is to combine scientific research and accumulated clinical experience in different countries. "The traditional discourse in psychiatry is that there is not enough scientific evidence for mental disorders, but the accumulated experience worldwide shows that it does work," she argues.

Brazilian challenges: between science and access

In Brazil, the medicinal use of cannabidiol has been authorized by Anvisa since 2015, but most patients still face high costs, bureaucracy, and difficulty in finding specialized doctors.
"The main challenge is finding psychiatrists with experience in treating using cannabis derivatives and prescribing them," highlights Hounie.

In addition to access limitations, the country lacks local clinical trials that can robustly demonstrate the efficacy and safety of available products, especially full-spectrum ones, which tend to be closer to the natural plant and potentially more effective.

With about 9.3% of Brazilians living with some form of anxiety disorder, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), progress in this area could represent a significant change in mental health care strategies.

One step at a time

The study published in Biomedicines reinforces what medical practice and patient reports have been showing for years: CBD can be a valuable tool in emotional care, as long as accompanied by scientific rigor, professional monitoring, and inclusive public policies.

In Brazil, this debate is still evolving, but it grows with each new data, patient, and research. And, as psychiatrist Ana Hounie points out, science does not need to walk alone: "Clinical experience is also a form of evidence. And it has consistently shown that CBD can transform lives," she concludes.