A theory explaining why psychosis-linked drugs can also relieve psychiatric symptoms

The authors introduce "psychotomimetic compensation" (short-term symptom relief via endocannabinoid, serotonergic, glutamatergic, and dopaminergic systems) and "psychotomimetic sensitization" (gradual intensification of psychotic-like experiences after repeated drug/stress exposure) to explain how the same drugs can both help and harm.

Theoretical paper synthesizing existing evidence on psychotomimetic drugs (cannabis, amphetamines, psychedelics, dissociatives) to propose a unified explanatory model for their paradoxical therapeutic and psychosis-inducing effects.

It has long been a paradox that cannabis can relieve symptoms like pain and depression while also being linked to psychosis risk. This framework offers a coherent explanation: short-term engagement of certain neurotransmitter systems provides compensation, while repeated exposure leads to sensitization.

As cannabis and psychedelics gain traction as therapeutic agents, understanding why the same compounds can both treat and cause psychiatric problems is essential. This compensation vs. sensitization model could guide safer therapeutic protocols by distinguishing short-term benefit from long-term risk.

This is a theoretical model, not an empirical study. The framework synthesizes existing data but does not generate new evidence. Individual variability in compensation vs. sensitization thresholds is not addressed.