anxiety symptoms in cannabis users compared to non-users [42]. Some studies have investigated the effects of cannabis use in early childhood and adolescent stages, demonstrating an increased risk of developing anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorder, which was strengthened with earlier onset of cannabis use [25, 36, 69]. Again, there are also studies that describe a lack of any significant correlation after controlling for significant confounds, such as cigarette use and childhood factors [34, 57, 130, 156]. A systematic review by Whiting et al. on the medical use of cannabinoids describes only one clinical trial conducted by Bergamaschi and colleagues in which a single 600 mg dose of CBD in individuals with SAD was associated with improved scores on a visual analogue scale after a simulated public speaking test in comparison to placebo; however, the authors note how this study holds high potential bias [7, 152]. Any other study assessing benefits of cannabis on anxiety are, however, only secondary analyses within pain populations [55, 108, 135, 152]. Nonetheless, the current literature does not suggest any robust therapeutic benefits of cannabis for anxiety, and therefore is inconsistent with claims of self-medication. Further research should focus on prospective designs that allow researchers to
