Study Spotlight #26: CBD for Schizophrenia and Comorbid Addiction
Millions of people worldwide struggle with schizophrenia. Traditional treatment methods primarily focus on managing symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs that neither cure the condition nor provide relief from severe side effects. These limitations often drive patients to seek relief through illegal drugs and alcohol, exacerbating their condition with the additional burden of addiction, such as alcohol or THC-dominant cannabis products.
A review of twenty-four clinical trials conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School (J. M. Maj et al., 2024) reveals that CBD offers a promising new approach. CBD not only produces antipsychotic effects but also reduces the potential for addiction by decreasing drug cravings. In the context of cannabis use disorder, CBD reduces cognitive impairments and THC-induced or aggravated psychotic symptoms. This novel approach provides hope for better serving this patient population. It also offers specific CBD dosing guidelines tailored for three different sub-sections of patients with schizophrenia.
More specifically:
- Young people at clinically high risk for psychosis – Optimal CBD dose: 600mg (or less)
- Standard CBD treatment of schizophrenia – 800-1000mg
- CBD for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia – 1000mg+
This targeted dosing approach highlights CBD’s potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia and co-morbid addiction.
Maj, Joanna and Francis, Alan N., Cannabidiol Therapy for Comorbid Schizophrenia and Addiction: A Guide for Clinical Practice. This is a preprint article; it offers immediate access but has yet to be peer-reviewed. Preprints with The Lancet are part of SSRN´s First Look.
