Does CBD oil help schizophrenia Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Does CBD oil help schizophrenia Medically reviewed by Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC — By Zawn Villines on July 28, 2022Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the ingredients in the cannabis plant that contains little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There is emerging research that CBD may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, but a person should not use the compound as an alternative to medical treatment. Emerging research suggests that it may reduce some symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment, and smoking cannabis with a high potency of THC may worsen schizophrenia symptoms or increase the risk of psychosis. Cannabidiol is one of the ingredients in cannabis. CBD oil contains little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes euphoria, or a “high.” While the research on CBD for schizophrenia shows promise, many studies are very small or low quality. Additionally, no research has shown that CBD can cure schizophrenia or that it is a better treatment method than antipsychotics. It is important to treat schizophrenia with the remedies a doctor recommends, such as antipsychotics, to prevent the condition from worsening — and to improve long-term outcomes. If a person wishes to try supplementing their treatment with CBD, it is important to first discuss this with a doctor. This article discusses the research behind CBD oil and schizophrenia, the potential benefits and risks of using this compound, and other alternative treatments. Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled. Does CBD oil help schizophrenia Share on PinterestAnna Efetova/Getty ImagesEmerging evidence suggests that CBD products may help schizophrenia. However, the studies are generally low quality and inconsistent in terms of dosing and study design. Additionally, people should not use CBD products without first contacting a healthcare professional. A person should not use CBD as a substitute for medical treatment. Importantly, many studies of CBD for schizophrenia do not use CBD oil. Because CBD oil is a supplement, dosing and strength vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. This means a person might get a different result each time they use it. A 2022 review emphasizes that CBD has low oral bioavailability. This means that consuming CBD oil may be less effective than other forms of this compound. Evidence CBD helps schizophrenia A 2021 review highlights the potential benefits of CBD in early-stage schizophrenia. The researchers state that CBD may change the levels of various brain chemicals that have an association with psychosis. For example, CBD may raise anandamide levels in the brain, which may reduce symptoms of psychosis. Another recent systematic review found slight evidence that CBD might reduce schizophrenia symptoms at high doses. The review notes that a 4-week trial of 800 milligrams (mg) of CBD led to similar results to amisulpride, an antipsychotic medication, in relieving psychosis and improving cognition. In two 6-week trials of people on antipsychotic drugs who also took CBD, the compound performed no better than a placebo did at 600 mg per day. At 1,000 mg, it reduced symptoms of schizophrenia. However, that sample did not exclude people who used cannabis recreationally or those who had a cannabis addiction. Evidence CBD does not help schizophrenia However, research also suggests that CBD may not have any benefits for schizophrenia. For example, in a 2018 study, researchers gave either 600 milligrams per day of CBD or a placebo to a group of 36 people with schizophrenia for 6 weeks. The placebo group showed more improvement than the CBD group, and those who took CBD developed more symptoms of sedation. For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub. Potential benefits of CBD for schizophrenia Research on the benefits of using CBD for schizophrenia is still ongoing. However, there is some evidence that CBD may have potential benefits when managing this condition. CBD may be effective during the early stages of psychosis, as it has anti-psychotic effects. The compound affects the brain chemistry with minimal side effects, such as diarrhea. Additionally, there is some evidence that CBD does not interact with antipsychotic medication. People who take CBD alongside antipsychotic medication are unlikely to experience any additional worsening of mood, suicidal thoughts, or changes in movement. Suicide prevention If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”Listen to the person without judgment.Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.Stay with the person until professional help arrives.Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Click here for more links and local resources. Risks A risk specific to those with schizophrenia is that a person might replace standard treatments, such as antipsychotic drugs, with CBD. Research suggests that treating schizophrenia early may improve long-term outcomes, such as preventing the condition from progressively worsening. People who delay treatment in favor of CBD may find that schizophrenia symptoms become less manageable. Other, more general, risks of using CBD may include: liver damage at high doses, or if a person takes CBD alongside drugs such as lomitapide, mipomersen, pexidartinib, leflunomide, teriflunomide, or valproate fatigue or low energyan increased risk of suicidal thoughts drug interactions While CBD may ease symptoms of schizophrenia, THC, another ingredient in cannabis, may exacerbate them. For example, a 2019 study found that users of high-potency cannabis had a more than fourfold increase in the risk of developing psychosis. However, it is important to note that scientists have not found that THC or cannabis cause psychosis. There are other factors that may play a part. Other alternative schizophrenia treatments Scientists have not proven that any alternative schizophrenia treatments work. It is important to remember that any alternative remedies, including CBD, are not a suitable substitute for medical care. However, a holistic approach that incorporates lifestyle support, education, and medication may help improve schizophrenia symptoms. Healthcare professionals may recommend the following in addition to antipsychotic drugs:therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)meditation, mindfulness, or exercise such as yogacognitive rehabilitationfamily support, such as family therapy Summary Recent research suggests that CBD may have some potential benefits for managing schizophrenia symptoms. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is necessary. A person who is interested in trying alternative treatments, such as CBD, should contact a doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks. People should not use any alternative remedies as a substitute for medical care. Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022Mental HealthSchizophreniaMarijuana / Cannabis / CBDcbd 9 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ahmed, S., et al. (2021). The impact of THC and CBD in schizophrenia: A systematic review [Abstract].https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.694394/fullBoggs, D. L., et al. (2018). The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cognition and symptoms in outpatients with chronic schizophrenia a randomized placebo controlled trial.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-018-4885-9Chesney, E., et al. (2021). Cannabidiol (CBD) as a novel treatment in the early phases of psychosis.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-021-05905-9Di Forti, M., et al. (2019). The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): a multicentre case-control study.https://www.thelancet.com/article/S2215-0366(19)30048-3/fulltextDyck, G. J. B., et al. (2022). Understanding the potential benefits of cannabidiol for patients with schizophrenia: A narrative review.https://academic.oup.com/schizbullopen/article/3/1/sgab053/6445173Ganguly, P., et al. (2018). Holistic management of schizophrenia symptoms using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5999799/Hany, M., et al. (2021). Schizophrenia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5999799/Meissner, H., et al. (2022). Cannabidiol.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556048/VanDolah, H. J., et al. (2019). Clinicians' guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31447137/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC — By Zawn Villines on July 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageUnderstanding the symptoms of schizophreniaMedically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that can cause confused speech, delusions, and social withdrawal. Treatment is available. Learn more…READ MOREWhat are the different types of schizophrenia?Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition linked to psychosis. This article looks at the past and present types and diagnoses of…READ MOREWhat are the differences between drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia? Drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can cause delusions and hallucinations, but doctors treat each condition differently. Learn more about the…READ MOREWhat are atypical antipsychotics?Medically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH Atypical antipsychotics, also known as second-generation antipsychotics, generally have fewer and less severe side effects. Learn more.READ MORE