CBD may reduce psychotic symptoms from THC and in schizophrenia, but evidence for treating cannabis use disorder is mixed
Clinical evidence suggests CBD can attenuate THC-induced psychotic symptoms and positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but findings on CBD for cannabis use disorder remain inconclusive.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across 10 clinical studies, CBD appeared to reduce psychotic-like symptoms triggered by THC in healthy volunteers and positive symptoms in people with schizophrenia. However, results for CBD as a treatment for cannabis use disorder were mixed.
Key Numbers
10 clinical studies included; CBD evaluated for three indications: THC-induced psychotic symptoms, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorders
How They Did This
Narrative review searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical studies evaluating CBD for THC-induced psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorders. Ten studies met inclusion criteria.
Why This Research Matters
If CBD can counteract THC-related psychosis while also having antipsychotic properties, it could represent a novel treatment approach that targets both substance use and psychotic disorders simultaneously.
The Bigger Picture
The different pharmacological effects of THC and CBD continue to challenge simplistic views of cannabis. The possibility that one component of the plant could treat harm caused by another component has significant implications for both psychiatric treatment and cannabis regulation.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Only 10 studies available, most with small sample sizes. No study examined co-occurring psychotic and cannabis use disorders together. The review is narrative rather than systematic.
Questions This Raises
- ?What CBD doses are needed to reliably attenuate psychotic symptoms?
- ?Could CBD be used as an adjunct to standard antipsychotic medications?
- ?Why are results for cannabis use disorder more mixed than for psychotic symptoms?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 10 clinical studies support CBD's potential to reduce psychotic symptoms
- Evidence Grade:
- Narrative review of a limited number of clinical studies with small sample sizes
- Study Age:
- Published in 2021. Several ongoing clinical trials may provide stronger evidence for CBD's antipsychotic properties.
- Original Title:
- Efficacy of Cannabidiol for Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Psychotic Symptoms, Schizophrenia, and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Narrative Review.
- Published In:
- Journal of clinical medicine, 10(6) (2021)
- Authors:
- Bartoli, Francesco(2), Riboldi, Ilaria, Bachi, Bianca, Calabrese, Angela, Moretti, Federico, Crocamo, Cristina, Carrà, Giuseppe
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02992
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research without a strict systematic method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD reduce psychotic symptoms from THC?
Clinical evidence suggests yes. Across multiple studies, CBD appeared to attenuate psychotic-like symptoms triggered by THC in healthy volunteers.
Could CBD help treat schizophrenia?
Early clinical evidence suggests CBD may reduce positive symptoms of schizophrenia. However, studies have been small and more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal dosing.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02992APA
Bartoli, Francesco; Riboldi, Ilaria; Bachi, Bianca; Calabrese, Angela; Moretti, Federico; Crocamo, Cristina; Carrà, Giuseppe. (2021). Efficacy of Cannabidiol for Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Psychotic Symptoms, Schizophrenia, and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Narrative Review.. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10061303
MLA
Bartoli, Francesco, et al. "Efficacy of Cannabidiol for Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Psychotic Symptoms, Schizophrenia, and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Narrative Review.." Journal of clinical medicine, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10061303
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Efficacy of Cannabidiol for Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced..." RTHC-02992. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/bartoli-2021-efficacy-of-cannabidiol-for
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.