Does cannabidiol have a role in the treatment of schizophrenia?

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder which places a significant emotional and economic strain on the individual and society-at-large. Unfortunately, currently available therapeutic strategies do not provide adequate relief and some patients are treatment-resistant. In this regard, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, has shown significant promise as a potential antipsychotic for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, there is still considerable uncertainty about the mechanism of action of CBD as well as the brain regions which are thought to mediate its putative antipsychotic effects. We argue that further research on CBD is required to fast-track its progress to the clinic and in doing so, we may generate novel insights into the neurobiology of schizophrenia.

Keywords: Antipsychotic; Cannabidiol; Schizophrenia.