The Endocannabinoid System: A Novel Approach to Antipsychotic Treatments

Updated: Jul 29, 2023

America is Facing a Mental Health Crisis

The prevalence of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, has been steadily increasing over the years. Many factors contribute to this crisis, including:

Limited access to mental health care: Many individuals, particularly those in rural or low-income areas, lack access to affordable and quality mental health services. The shortage of mental health professionals in some regions further exacerbates the problem.
Stigma surrounding mental health: Despite growing awareness, the stigma surrounding mental health issues still exists, preventing many individuals from seeking the help they need.
Rising rates of substance abuse: The opioid crisis and increasing rates of substance abuse have amplified the mental health crisis, as addiction often co-occurs with other mental health disorders.
Increased stressors: Modern society presents numerous stressors, such as financial strain, social isolation, and exposure to traumatic events, which can negatively impact mental health.
Lack of mental health education and awareness: Many people remain unaware of the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, making it difficult for them to recognize when they or someone they know may need help.

A Novel Approach to Antipsychotic Treatments: The Endocannabinoid System

As our understanding of mental health disorders continues to evolve, one area of significant interest is the development of alternative antipsychotic compounds with fewer side effects.

The endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in various physiological processes, has emerged as a potential new target for these medications. Research continues into the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a type of antipsychotic medication.

Here's what you need to know:

While chronic cannabis use has been considered a risk factor for developing schizophrenia, mainly due to the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), CBD does not have psychotomimetic potential.
CBD has demonstrated antipsychotic properties in both rodents and rhesus monkeys.
The first randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial found that CBD has antipsychotic properties comparable to the drug amisulpride, with fewer side effects.
Ongoing clinical trials continue to work to establish CBD's antipsychotic efficacy and its side-effect profile.

The administration of CBD by different routes, across a wide range of doses, does not induce serious side effects or toxicity in humans or other species [link]. Repeated administration over a month to healthy volunteers (daily doses ranging from 10 to 400 mg) did not induce any significant abnormalities in neurological, psychiatric, or clinical exams. Iffland K., Grotenhermen F. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol