I smoked daily for 12 years. Looking back, I do think it affected my anxiety in good ways and bad. Depending on the strain, it can make you really paranoid, which makes going out about as much fun as having Mike Tyson nibble on your earlobe. "Can they tell? Crap... I think they can tell. Don't make eye contact. Play it cool..." I found it made me more withdrawn and antisocial, and I just didn't want to go out when I smoked.

If I was just hanging out at home, I found it took the edge off, and instead of my mind focusing on one negative, it would get distracted and quickly wander off on different topics. It also took all of the tension out of my body, and I was really relaxed. It also helped me get some of the deepest sleep I've ever had.

I think it can work well with anxiety if it's done in moderation, and if you're smart about it. There's a few simple rules everyone should follow for their own safety, and the safety of everyone else though: Don't smoke before or during working hours, and don't drive if you're high. Other than that, there's no real harm. If it does cause you to become paranoid and withdrawn, then it's probably not a great idea to smoke it before you have to deal with other people.

On the bright side, it's an extremely easy drug to quit. The only withdrawal you get is it affects your sleep for the first month (vivid dreams), but your body regulates itself pretty quickly. Quitting has helped my social anxiety immensely, just because I'm no longer paranoid when I leave the house.