Schizophrenia
A severe psychiatric disorder characterized by psychosis, cognitive impairment, and negative symptoms. High-potency THC is a risk factor; CBD may have antipsychotic properties.
In Depth
The relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia is complex and bidirectional. High-potency THC use increases schizophrenia risk 3–5 fold in genetically predisposed individuals. Conversely, CBD has demonstrated antipsychotic effects in clinical trials — a Phase 2 RCT (McGuire et al., 2018) showed CBD reduced positive psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia patients. CBD's antipsychotic mechanism may involve D2 receptor modulation, 5-HT1A agonism, and GPR55 antagonism. CBD is being investigated as an adjunct to antipsychotic therapy.
Related Terms
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.