Many people use cannabis to relax, reduce stress, sleep better, or cope with emotional pain.
As cannabis becomes more widely accepted and legalized in many parts of the world, more people are also turning to it as a way to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, or physical pain.
However, new research suggests that using cannabis to self-medicate may carry serious mental health risks.
A large new study led by researchers at King’s College London and the University of Bath has found that people who use cannabis to cope with emotional pain, stress, or trauma may face a much higher risk of paranoia and other mental health problems later on.
The findings add to growing scientific concerns about the effects of frequent cannabis use on the brain.
The research was published in the journals BMJ Mental Health and Psychological Medicine. The studies were part of the Cannabis & Me project, one of the largest studies ever carried out on cannabis use and mental health in the general population.
Researchers analyzed information from more than 3,300 adults who either currently used cannabis or had used it in the past. The participants did not have a diagnosed psychotic disorder when they joined the study. Scientists wanted to understand why people first started using cannabis and how this affected their mental health over time.
The results showed a clear pattern. People who first used cannabis to cope with anxiety, depression, physical pain, emotional distress, or minor psychotic symptoms reported much higher levels of paranoia compared with people who used cannabis mainly for fun, curiosity, or social reasons.
Paranoia is a mental state in which people become overly suspicious or fearful of others. Someone experiencing paranoia may believe that people are watching them, judging them, or trying to harm them, even when there is little or no evidence. Severe paranoia can become very distressing and interfere with daily life.
The study also found that people who used cannabis for self-soothing reasons often consumed larger amounts of THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes the “high” feeling.
Participants in the study consumed an average of about 206 THC units per week, which researchers said could equal around 10 to 17 joints depending on the strength of the cannabis. However, people who used cannabis to cope with anxiety or depression consumed even higher amounts on average.
Scientists explained that modern cannabis products are much stronger than they were decades ago. In the past, cannabis often contained very low levels of THC. Today, many cannabis strains and concentrated products contain extremely high THC levels, which may increase the risk of mental health side effects.
The researchers also explored the connection between childhood trauma and paranoia. More than half of the participants reported experiencing some form of trauma during childhood, including emotional abuse, physical abuse, bullying, neglect, or household conflict.
The findings showed that people who experienced childhood trauma were more likely to develop paranoia later in life. Cannabis use appeared to make this connection even stronger. In particular, emotional abuse and household conflict were strongly linked to both increased cannabis use and higher paranoia scores.
Dr. Giulia Trotta, one of the lead researchers, explained that the study was the first large project to closely examine how childhood trauma, cannabis use, and paranoia interact together in the general population. The findings suggest that cannabis may worsen the psychological effects of past trauma for some individuals.
Professor Marta Di Forti, senior author of the studies and a specialist in psychosis research, said many people begin using cannabis because they are trying to cope with emotional or physical suffering. However, the research suggests this strategy may sometimes backfire and increase mental health risks instead of reducing them.
The findings are especially important because cannabis use is becoming more common worldwide. In many countries, public attitudes toward cannabis have changed quickly, and some people now see it as harmless or even medicinal for mental health problems.
However, researchers say the evidence is much more complicated. While some people may temporarily feel calmer after using cannabis, long-term or heavy use may increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, dependence, and psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals.
The studies do not prove that cannabis directly causes paranoia in every person. Mental health is complex and influenced by genetics, trauma, stress, environment, and many other factors. However, the strong link between self-medicating cannabis use and paranoia raises important concerns.
The researchers believe the findings highlight the need for better public education about cannabis and mental health. They also say healthcare professionals should ask patients about trauma history and cannabis use when evaluating paranoia or anxiety symptoms.
Experts stressed that people struggling with trauma, depression, or anxiety may benefit more from evidence-based support such as counseling, therapy, social support, or medical care instead of relying heavily on cannabis alone.
As cannabis legalization continues to expand, scientists say it is important for people to understand both the possible benefits and the possible harms of cannabis use.
The new findings suggest that using cannabis to escape emotional pain or trauma may not always provide relief and could sometimes make mental health problems worse over time.
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The study was published in BMJ Mental Health and Psychological Medicine.
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