A review of all the available research has shown that cannabis extracts are indeed helpful in alleviating symptoms of cannabis-related disorders, schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder, ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), and ADHD.

However, there is weaker evidence for insomnia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and Tourette syndrome, the review reveals.

The review, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, aimed to summarise what we currently know about the use of CBD and nabiximols (also known as Sativex, a whole-plant medicine that contains 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC) in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Meta analysis

The systematic review included 23 relevant studies on CBD and nabiximols in the treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders. The quality of evidence was judged by using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence that ranges from Level 1 to Level 5 based on the quality and study design.

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Results found that “CBD and CBD-containing compounds such as nabiximols were helpful in alleviating psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment in patients with a variety of conditions.”

“… several studies provided evidence of effectiveness in the treatment of cannabis withdrawal and moderate to severe cannabis use disorder with Grade B recommendation [Grade A being strongest quality of evidence].

“There is Grade B recommendation supporting the use of CBD for the treatment of schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“Grade C recommendation exists for insomnia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and Tourette syndrome.”

The authors of the study conclude: “The evidence for the use of CBD and CBD-containing compounds for psychiatric disorders needs to be explored in future studies, especially large-scale and well-designed RCTs [randomised controlled trials].”

Cannabis dependence

As we’ve suggested numerous times on High & Polite, CBD and microdoses of THC have profound potential to help those suffering with cannabis dependence, or addictions of any kind for that matter.

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This study also highlights how nabiximols and CBD were beneficial in cannabis-related disorders in almost all studies with Grade B recommendation.

“The use of cannabis extracts resulted in a decreased risk of withdrawal symptoms and dependence among participants.

“The effect on cannabis-related craving was pronounced, with an additive benefit from the use of psychotherapeutic options such as MET or CBT,” the study says.

In my book, Overcoming Cannabis Dependence: The Truth About Addiction And The Secret To A healthy Relationship With Cannabis, I detail how CBD helped me take control of my cannabis usage and develop a healthy relationship with the plant.

I also outline techniques, products and consumption methods so that anyone can easily reduce their usage with minimal cravings or withdrawal effects.

It is available on Amazon here: UK, US.