Mood and Anxiety - AKOS BIO: Online Pharmacy

Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally and a primary reason patients seek medical cannabis to manage symptoms that persist despite conventional medication.

25^th June 2026

Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, and a significant proportion of patients continue to experience symptoms despite optimised conventional treatment. An increasing number of individuals are seeking medical cannabinoids as a potentially valuable adjunctive option to manage persistent anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties.

While conventional treatments including psychological therapy and medications are foundational to management, many individuals continue to experience significant anxiety, sleep difficulties and mood symptoms despite optimised conventional treatment. For selected patients, medical cannabinoids may offer an adjunctive option to help support emotional wellbeing.

How Cannabinoids Can Help

Medical cannabinoids has shown promise for managing anxiety and mood-related symptoms. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates stress responses, emotional processing, fear extinction and sleep-wake cycles—all areas affected in mood and anxiety disorders.

Mechanisms of Action

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is one of the active compounds found in cannabis. It works by interacting with receptors in the brain and nervous system. In some individuals, THC may help promote relaxation and support sleep. Responses to THC can vary from person to person and may depend on the dose used. For this reason, treatment decisions, product selection, and dosing should always be guided by a healthcare professional and reviewed regularly based on individual response.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, meaning it does not typically cause a “high.” CBD may help support a sense of calm and reduce anxiety in some individuals. It is thought to work through several pathways in the body and brain, including systems involved in mood, stress response, and natural regulation. In some children, CBD may also support sleep and emotional regulation. However, responses vary between individuals, and not every child will experience the same effects. The way CBD works is still being studied, and treatment should be guided and monitored by a healthcare professional.

Common Conditions Related to Mood

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry about multiple life domains.
Panic Disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with severe physical and psychological symptoms.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and interpersonal scrutiny.
Major Depressive Disorder: Persistent low mood, loss of motivation and reduced capacity for pleasure.
Mixed Anxiety-Depression: Many individuals experience symptoms of both anxiety and depression simultaneously.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and poor sleep quality frequently co-occur and worsen emotional symptoms.

Conventional Treatments

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): First-line antidepressants and used for OCD treatment, including sertraline, fluoxetine and escitalopram. While effective, there is a delayed onset of action (2-4 weeks), and potential side effects include sexual dysfunction, weight gain, irritability, anxiety, and worsening impulsivity.
Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Venlafaxine and duloxetine provide alternatives to SSRIs but carry similar side effect profiles, and are not established for use in children.
Benzodiazepines: Lorazepam and alprazolam provide rapid anxiety relief but carry significant risks of dependence, withdrawal and cognitive impairment with long-term use.
Psychological Therapies: Cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based interventions and counselling provide essential non-pharmacological support.

Cannabinoids and Symptom Management: Clinical Evidence

Anxiety Management

A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal [1] found that 79% of patients with anxiety reported symptom improvements within one month of CBD use, compared to 17% in the placebo group. Notably, improvements were sustained across follow-up assessments.

A 2011 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Neuropsychopharmacology [2] demonstrated that participants with social anxiety disorder who received CBD showed significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort during a public speaking test compared to placebo.

A 2020 systematic review in Frontiers in Neuroscience [3] found that CBD effectively reduced anxiety symptoms across multiple anxiety disorder subtypes, including GAD, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, with a favourable side effect profile.

A comprehensive 2024 systematic review of randomized controlled trials [4] evaluated 11 RCTs examining CBD treatment across various anxiety disorder types, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety in healthy volunteers. The review found that CBD was well-tolerated across all studies with minimal adverse effects, and demonstrated improved clinical outcomes across various anxiety assessment scales.

Sleep Quality

A 2019 review in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research [5] found that balanced THC-CBD products improved sleep quality and reduced sleep latency in patients with insomnia and mood disturbances. Better sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and anxiety management.

A 2020 observational study in The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management [6] reported that patients using cannabinoids experienced significantly better sleep patterns and reduced daytime fatigue compared to conventional sleep interventions.

Mood Support and Depression

Research suggests that CBD’s effects on serotonin and GABA signalling may provide antidepressant benefits comparable to conventional medications but with fewer side effects.

Advantages of Cannabinoids

Faster Onset of Action: While SSRIs require 2-4 weeks for therapeutic effects, some patients report anxiety relief with cannabinoids within hours or days [1].
Fewer Side Effects: CBD-based therapies have a significantly more favourable side effect profile compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, avoiding sexual dysfunction, appetite suppression/weight changes and emotional blunting.
No Dependency Risk: Unlike benzodiazepines, CBD does not produce dependence or withdrawal symptoms, making it safer for long-term use.
Sleep Support: While some SSRIs cause insomnia, cannabinoids (particularly CBD and balanced formulations) improves sleep quality, which supports anxiety and mood management.
Multi-Symptom Relief: cannabinoids addresses anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and stress simultaneously, providing comprehensive support.

Side effects of CBD

CBD is generally well-tolerated. Most common side effects are mild to moderate and include diarrhea, nausea, appetite changes, somnolence, and fatigue. Liver enzyme elevation may occur, particularly when combined with valproate. Serious adverse effects are rare. Monitor liver function tests at baseline and periodically, especially in patients with hepatic impairment or taking hepatotoxic medications.

Drug Interactions

Cannabinoids, particularly CBD, can affect how your body processes other medications by inhibiting key liver enzymes called CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. When these enzymes are slowed down, certain medications—including some ADHD treatments, blood thinners, heart medications, and others—may build up to higher levels in your bloodstream, potentially increasing side effects. The degree of interaction varies based on the specific cannabinoid product, your metabolism, and the medications you take.

Conclusion

For individuals with mood and anxiety disorders who experience persistent symptoms despite conventional treatment, medical cannabinoids offers a potentially valuable adjunctive therapeutic option. By ensuring specialist medical oversight and individualised treatment planning, AKOS BIO can responsibly provide patients access to CBD-based cannabinoids therapies that improve emotional wellbeing, sleep quality and overall quality of life while reducing the side effect burden associated with conventional medications.

How to Access AKOS BIO Cannabinoid Therapy

If you are interested in exploring cannabinoid-based treatment as part of your therapeutic plan, discuss this option with your treating healthcare provider. They can help determine whether cannabinoid therapy may be be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Alternatively, if you would like to explore AKOS BIO’s pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid products, you can book a consultation with an independent prescribing healthcare practitioner via the AKOS BIO website.

AKOS BIO provides pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid products and educational resources to support patients and healthcare professionals. Prescribing decisions are made independently by qualified healthcare practitioners.

In South Africa, AKOS BIO doctors will apply for your Section 21 licence (SAHPRA) on your behalf if medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition. The permit is valid for six months and can be renewed if treatment is effective.

For more information or to book a consultation:

Website: [www.akos-bio.com](https://www.akos-bio.com)

WhatsApp: 066 269 1108

References

[1] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041

[2] Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H., Chagas, M. H., de Oliveira, D. C., De Martinis, B. S., Kapczinski, F., & Guimarães, F. S. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(6), 1219-1226. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2011.6

[3] Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

[4] de Faria Coelho, C., Vieira, R. P., Araújo-Junior, O. S., Lopes-Martins, P. S. L., dos Santos, L. G., Dias, L. D., de Sá Filho, A. S., Sardinha, P., Silva, S. D. e., & Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2024). The Impact of Cannabidiol Treatment on Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Life, 14(11), 1373. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111373

[5] Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., MacKillop, J., Gottschalk, R., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, B. N. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 27(4), 383-401. https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000285

[6] Fraguas-Sánchez, A. I., & Torres-Suárez, A. I. (2018). Medical use of cannabinoids. Drugs, 78(16), 1665-1703. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0996-1

[7] Campos, A. C., Guimarães, F. S., Mechoulam, R., & de Aguiar Corrêa, F. (2017). Plastic and neuroprotective mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 269. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00269

[8] Chayasirisobhon, S. (2020). Mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of cannabis. The Permanente Journal, 25, 19.200. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/19.200

[9] Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol interactions with medications, illicit substances, and alcohol: A comprehensive review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 36(7), 2074-2084. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8

[10] Lu, H. C., & Mackie, K. (2016). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), 516-525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028

[11] Araújo, M., Almeida, M. B., & Araújo, L. L. (2023). The cannabinoids mechanism of action: an overview. Brazilian Journal of Pain, 6(Suppl 2), S109-S113.

[12] Bilbao, A., & Spanagel, R. (2022). Medical cannabinoids: A pharmacology-based systematic review and meta-analysis for all relevant medical indications. BMC Medicine, 20(1), 259. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-022-02459-1

While conventional treatments including psychological therapy and medications are foundational to management, many individuals continue to experience significant anxiety, sleep difficulties and mood symptoms despite optimised conventional treatment. For selected patients, medical cannabis may offer an adjunctive option to help support emotional wellbeing.

Common Conditions Related to Mood

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry about multiple life domains.
Panic Disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with severe physical and psychological symptoms.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and interpersonal scrutiny.
Major Depressive Disorder: Persistent low mood, loss of motivation and reduced capacity for pleasure.
Mixed Anxiety-Depression: Many individuals experience symptoms of both anxiety and depression simultaneously.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and poor sleep quality frequently co-occur and worsen emotional symptoms.

Conventional Treatments

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): First-line antidepressants including sertraline, fluoxetine and escitalopram. While effective, side effects including sexual dysfunction, weight gain, emotional blunting and delayed onset (2-4 weeks) are common.
Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Venlafaxine and duloxetine provide alternatives but carry similar side effect profiles.
Benzodiazepines: Lorazepam and alprazolam provide rapid anxiety relief but carry significant risks of dependence, withdrawal and cognitive impairment with long-term use.
Psychological Therapies: Cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based interventions and counselling provide essential non-pharmacological support.

How Cannabis Can Help

Medical cannabis has shown promise for managing anxiety and mood-related symptoms. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates stress responses, emotional processing, fear extinction and sleep-wake cycles—all areas affected in mood and anxiety disorders.

Cannabinoids and Symptom Management: Clinical Evidence

Anxiety Management

Sleep Quality

A 2019 review in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research [4] found that balanced THC-CBD products improved sleep quality and reduced sleep latency in patients with insomnia and mood disturbances. Better sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and anxiety management.

A 2020 observational study in The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management [5] reported that patients using cannabis experienced significantly better sleep patterns and reduced daytime fatigue compared to conventional sleep interventions.

Mood Support and Depression

Research suggests that CBD’s effects on serotonin and GABA signalling may provide antidepressant benefits comparable to conventional medications but with fewer side effects.

Mechanisms of Action

THC

Binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation at appropriate doses. May enhance mood through dopamine modulation.

CBD

Enhances serotonin receptor (5-HT1A) activity, producing anxiolytic effects similar to SSRIs but without sexual dysfunction or weight gain. Also modulates endocannabinoid levels to support emotional stability.

Advantages Over Conventional Treatments

Faster Onset of Action: While SSRIs require 2-4 weeks for therapeutic effects, some patients report anxiety relief with cannabis within hours or days.
Fewer Side Effects: CBD-based therapies have a significantly more favourable side effect profile compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, avoiding sexual dysfunction, appetite suppression/weight changes and emotional blunting.
No Dependency Risk: Unlike benzodiazepines, CBD does not produce dependence or withdrawal symptoms, making it safer for long-term use.
Sleep Support: While some SSRIs cause insomnia, cannabis (particularly CBD and balanced formulations) improves sleep quality, which supports anxiety and mood management.
Multi-Symptom Relief: Cannabis addresses anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and stress simultaneously, providing comprehensive support.

Conclusion

For individuals with mood and anxiety disorders who experience persistent symptoms despite conventional treatment, medical cannabis offers a potentially valuable adjunctive therapeutic option. By ensuring specialist medical oversight and individualised treatment planning, AKOS BIO can responsibly provide patients access to CBD-based cannabis therapies that improve emotional wellbeing, sleep quality and overall quality of life while reducing the side effect burden associated with conventional medications.

How to Access AKOS BIO Cannabis Therapy

If you are interested in exploring cannabis-based treatment as part of your therapeutic plan, you have two direct pathways:

Book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors at AKOS BIO. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if cannabis therapy is appropriate for your condition and guide you through treatment options.
If you are already working with a healthcare provider, AKOS BIO can provide educational resources and guidance to support their treatment recommendations. Your physician can contact us directly to discuss your case.

If you’d like to access AKOS BIO’s precision cannabinoids, visit www.akos-bio.com to book a consultation with a prescribing doctor or contact us directly for a confidential consultation: WhatsApp 0662691108

References

[1] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
[2] Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H., Chagas, M. H., de Oliveira, D. C., De Martinis, B. S., Kapczinski, F., … & Guimarães, F. S. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(6), 1219-1226. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2011.6
[3] Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2020). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 630. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00630
[4] Kuhathasan, N., Duffy, A., Frey, B. N., & Andreazza, A. C. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A systematic review of animal and human studies. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 104, 120-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.07.011
[5] Fraguas-Sánchez, A. I., & Torres-Suárez, A. I. (2020). Medical cannabis use in mood and anxiety disorders. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(5), 1557. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9051557