Using cannabidiol to treat psychosis in cannabis users

Cannabidiol for Treatment of Non-affective Psychosis and Cannabis Use

Phase 2 Interventional University of Copenhagen · NCT04105231

This study tests whether cannabidiol (CBD) can help people with psychosis who use cannabis feel better and have fewer side effects than the usual medication, risperidone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Copenhagen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Glostrup)
Trial IDNCT04105231 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) compared to risperidone in treating psychosis among individuals with a history of cannabis use. It focuses on patients diagnosed with non-affective psychosis, exploring how CBD may alleviate psychotic symptoms and reduce cannabis consumption. The study also examines the impact of CBD on sleep quality and circadian rhythms, as sleep disturbances are common in psychosis treatment. The hypothesis is that CBD will result in fewer side effects than risperidone while providing therapeutic benefits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-45 with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis and a history of cannabis use.

Not a fit: Patients with treatment-resistant psychosis or those dependent on substances other than cannabis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a safer and more effective option for managing psychosis in patients who also use cannabis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for CBD in treating psychosis, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia (DF20.X), paranoid psychosis (DF22.X), acute/intermittent psychotic disorder (DF23.X), schizoaffective psychosis (DF25.X), other/not specified nonorganic psychotic disorder (DF28/DF29), or cannabis induced psychotic disorder (DF12.5)
* PANSS ≥ 60 and score of ≥ 4 on ≥ 2 PANSS-Positive subscale items: Delusions (P1), conceptual disorganization (P2), hallucinatory behaviour (P3), grandiosity (P5), suspiciousness (P6)
* Lifetime cannabis use
* Age 18-45 years
* Female patients of childbearing potential need to utilize a proper method of contraception

Exclusion criteria:

* Treatment resistance as defined by treatment (ever) with clozapine
* Dependence syndrome of alcohol or psychoactive substances other than cannabis (DF1X.2 other than DF12.2)
* Psychotic disorder induced by alcohol or psychoactive substances other than cannabis (DF1X.5 other than DF12.5)
* Treatment with a long-acting injectable antipsychotic within the past month (or corresponding to the usual interval between two injections)
* Treatment with an oral antipsychotic within the past 7 days
* Use of self-administered CBD products during the trial
* Patients involuntarily admitted
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Severe physical illness that might influence the ability to comply with the protocol

Where this trial is running

Glostrup

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dual Diagnosispsychosiscannabisclinical trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.