The Complex Connection between Cannabis and Schizophrenia

The Complex Connections between Cannabis and Schizophrenia provides an in-depth overview of the current state of research into the role that cannabis plays in schizophrenia, covering both the pathophysiological and the pharmacological implications. It addresses the epidemiology of cannabis use and the risks associated with its use, the biological aspects of the drug, its effects on the brain and the pharmacological possibilities of using cannabidiol to treat schizophrenia.

It is the only book on the market devoted exclusively to examining the links between this very commonly used (and misused) drug and a specific set of devastating psychiatric illnesses, providing a comprehensive guide to our current understandings of this relationship.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug globally, and is becoming increasingly decriminalized and even legalized worldwide. Among the numerous mental-health concerns related to the drug, there is mounting evidence of an intricate link between cannabis use and schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. At the same time, there is promising evidence to suggest that cannabidiol, one of the many compounds found in cannabis that activates the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, could prove to be an effective antipsychotic to treat schizophrenia.

• Synthesizes existing knowledge about the confusing, but crucial, relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia symptoms
• Provides a comprehensive overview of the neurobiological mechanisms of cannabis use and its effects on the brain, including an exploration of the endocannabinoid system
• Examines the promising evidence suggesting cannabidiol as an effective antipsychotic treatment for schizophrenia
• Aids readers studying the neurobiological underpinning of cannabis addiction and psychosis in determining directions for their own future research

Researchers and advanced students in behavioral neuroscience, translational neuroscience, neuropharmacology, neurological disorders, psychopathology, and addiction

1. Introduction to the Complex Connection between Cannabis Use and Psychosis, Psychotic Disorders, and Schizophrenia

2. The Epidemiology of Cannabis Use in the United States

3. The Biology of Cannabis in the Brain, and the Endocannabinoid System

4. Psychotomimetic and Cognitive Effects of  Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Laboratory Settings

5. Psychotomimetic and Cognitive Effects of Cannabis Use in the General Population

6. Effects of Cannabis Use among those with Schizotypy

7. Effects of Cannabis Use among those at Clinical High Risk for Schizophrenia 

8. Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorders

9. Synthetic Cannabinoids and Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychotic Disorders

10. Cannabis Use as an Independent Risk Factor for, or Component Cause of, Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Disorders

11. Cannabis Use as a Determinant of Earlier Age at Onset of Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Disorders

12. The Prevalence of Cannabis Use, and Effects on Course and Outcomes, among Individuals with Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Disorders

13. Neuroimaging and Genetic Findings that Shed Light on the Link between Cannabis Use and Psychosis

14. The Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorders among Individuals with Psychotic Disorders

15. Cannabidiol as a Potential Novel Therapeutic Agent for Psychotic Disorders