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Effects of cannabidiol on schizophrenia-like symptoms in people who use cannabis

Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, UK

Correspondence: Celia Morgan, Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. Email: c.morgan{at}ucl.ac.uk

Declaration of interest

None.

Cannabis contains various cannabinoids, two of which have almost opposing actions: 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) is psychotomimetic, whereas cannabidiol (CBD) has antipsychotic effects. Hair samples were analysed to examine levels of 9-THC and CBD in 140 individuals. Three clear groups emerged: `THC only', `THC+CBD' and those with no cannabinoid in hair. The THC only group showed higher levels of positive schizophrenia-like symptoms compared with the no cannabinoid and THC+CBD groups, and higher levels of delusions compared with the no cannabinoid group. This provides evidence of the divergent properties of cannabinoids and has important implications for research into the link between cannabis use and psychosis.

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Peter Tyrer
BJP 2008 192: 320. [Full Text]