LONDON: An ingredient in cannabis called cannabidiol or CBD has shown promise in a clinical trial as a potential new treatment for psychosis, scientists said on Friday. In research involving 88 people with psychosis - a mental disorder characterised by anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations - the scientists found patients treated with CBD had lower levels of psychotic symptoms than those who received a placebo. The main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. In the trial, 88 patients with psychosis received either CBD or placebo for six weeks, alongside their existing antipsychotic medication. Beforehand and afterwards, the scientists assessed symptoms, functioning and cognitive performance, and the patients’ psychiatrists rated their overall condition overall.

Source: New Strait Times December 15, 2017 08:03 UTC