Psychiatry research • September 1, 2026 • Valerio Ricci, Andrea Paggi, Giovanni Martinotti et al.
In patients with cannabis-induced first-episode psychosis, dissociative symptoms—especially depersonalization and derealization—are strong independent predictors of poor functional recovery over 24 months. Among 72 patients, three recovery trajectories emerged: Rapid Recovery (34.7%, GAF +29.1 points), Gradual Recovery (40.3%, GAF +15.7 points), and Persistent Impairment (25.0%, GAF +4.7 points). A symptom-function discrepancy occurred in 31.9% of patients, where psychotic symptoms improved but functioning did not; these patients had higher baseline dissociation scores (33.8 vs. 18.1). Dissociation mediated 35% of cannabis's negative effect on functional outcomes. A high-risk subgroup (22%) with elevated dissociation, depression, and continued cannabis use showed minimal improvement despite treatment. Routine dissociation assessment and targeted interventions may improve outcomes.
The International journal on drug policy • August 1, 2026 • Myfanwy Graham, Yimin Ge, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula et al. • 1 citation
An estimated 19% of adults in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have used psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, or ketamine at some point in their lives. Psilocybin was the most commonly used substance, with lifetime use highest in Canada (16.3%), followed by the US (13.0%) and New Zealand (12.1%), and lowest in Australia (7.8%). Among those who had ever used a psychedelic, 10-20% had asked their medical provider about medical use, and over a third of past-year users reported experiencing an adverse health effect. Past-month use was low across all countries. Consumer interest in therapeutic use has outpaced clinical trials and therapeutic provisions, and many people use these substances outside regulated pathways, which may increase the risk of adverse events.
Sciences of Phytochemistry • July 12, 2026 • Fakhray Rimi, Jannatul Fardous, Fahmida Zaman et al.
A review of twenty psychoactive medicinal plants, including Withania somnifera, Cannabis sativa, Valeriana officinalis, Psilocybe cubensis, and Passiflora incarnata, finds they contain alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and cannabinoids that modulate serotonergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, and endocannabinoid systems. These plants show anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, hallucinogenic, or cognition-enhancing effects in preclinical and limited clinical studies, along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic properties. However, most evidence remains preclinical, with limited clinical validation of efficacy, safety, standardization, and long-term use, underscoring the need for further experimental and clinical investigations.
BMC Medicine • July 6, 2026 • Hannah Adler, Rebecca Filipic, Dr Maria Gonzalez et al.
Healthcare professionals show interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin for existential distress in people with cancer, but face knowledge gaps, barriers, and a desire for more research. Interviews with 11 professionals from Australian cancer centers revealed four themes: varied knowledge about the therapy, conceptualizing its practical use, navigating complex provision and engagement, and envisioning future applications. Professionals preferred delivery by multidisciplinary teams that are culturally sensitive and ethically rigorous. Some saw it as a last resort, while others viewed it as another needed tool. The findings offer preliminary insights into implementation pathways for this therapy in oncology settings.
Journal of Drug Issues • July 1, 2026 • Haley M Hummel, Alexia N Obrochta, David C. R. Kerr et al.
People who used both psilocybin and alcohol in the past year reported fewer depressive symptoms compared to those who used alcohol without psilocybin, based on a nationally representative U.S. survey. The analysis adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, survey period, and other substance use. When cannabis and other psychedelic use were not accounted for, psilocybin use was also linked to lower anxiety symptoms. Because the study was observational and relied on self-reports, it cannot show cause and effect. The findings suggest potential mental health benefits of psilocybin when used alongside alcohol, but experimental and long-term studies are needed to confirm.
Acta Theologica • June 30, 2026 • Norman Nyazema, Jo Nel
As cannabis decriminalization and legalization evolve globally, this article examines the relationship between Cannabis sativa and religion. It covers the plant's ancient origins, chemical structure, historical medicinal uses from ancient China to modern applications, and its criminalization, questioning the constitutionality of current legal frameworks. The article also explores cannabis's role in selected religions. The authors suggest future research, including a questionnaire to investigate how religious beliefs shape attitudes toward cannabis.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs • June 17, 2026 • F. van Dalen, S. C. Tap, S. D. Venema et al.
Mental healthcare professionals generally hold cautiously optimistic views about psychedelic-assisted therapy for substance use disorder, though a minority express hesitancy due to concerns about safety, efficacy, and practical integration challenges. A systematic review of six studies with 966 participants found that greater knowledge and familiarity with psychedelic-assisted therapy predict more positive attitudes. The limited knowledge among professionals highlights a need for targeted education and training to support the responsible integration of this treatment into clinical care.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry • June 16, 2026 • Daniel B.a. Prado, Matheus T. Rossignoli, Rafael N. Ruggiero et al.
In a rat model of schizophrenia-like symptoms induced by ketamine, the combination of cannabidiol and sodium nitroprusside given during brain development prevented hyperactivity and memory problems in both sexes, while each drug alone had limited effects. The model produced different symptoms in males and females: females showed greater hyperactivity and long-term memory deficits, whereas males showed reduced pleasure-seeking and short-term memory impairments. The combined treatment was more effective in females, and distinct behavioral patterns were seen between sexes. This suggests that a combination of these two compounds may offer a sex-specific preventive strategy for schizophrenia symptoms.
Psychoactives • June 8, 2026 • Fizza Mitter, Anton Sheptooha, Janni Leung et al.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often not well treated by current medications or talk therapies, leading to interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials with 358 participants examined MDMA, ketamine, and cannabidiol. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy produced a moderate-to-large reduction in PTSD symptoms, with more participants achieving clinical response and loss of PTSD diagnosis. Ketamine showed a small, non-significant effect, and one trial of cannabidiol found no clear benefit. All agents were generally well tolerated. The evidence is dominated by MDMA trials, and safety data remain insufficient for strong comparisons. More studies with standardized outcomes and direct comparisons are needed.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) • June 5, 2026 • Belay Sitotaw Goshu, M; Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Ridwan
Spirituality is central to health and healing in Ethiopia, but the evidence base is narrow and fragmented. A scoping review of 31 studies (1968–2026) found the literature is predominantly qualitative (55%) and focused on mental health (74%). Ethiopian Orthodox Christian contexts dominate (71%), while Muslim (33% of population) and indigenous spiritual traditions are severely underrepresented. Five themes emerged: spiritual causal frameworks for illness, spiritual healers as primary mental health providers, holy water (tsebel) as a central healing modality, spirituality as a coping resource, and profound gaps in healthcare integration—moderate nursing spiritual care competence (mean 3.45/5), only 21.5% of nurses trained in spiritual care, and no national collaboration policies. Ethiopia’s formal healthcare system operates parallel to, not in partnership with, spiritual healing systems.
Frontiers in Psychiatry • December 23, 2021 • A. Fiorentini, Filippo Cantù, Camilla Crisanti et al. • 123 citations
Abuse of methamphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, and newer synthetic drugs (cannabinoids, cathinones) can trigger acute psychotic episodes that resemble psychotic disorders. The severity of substance use and addiction correlates with the likelihood of developing psychosis. Clinicians can identify some phenomenological features to help distinguish substance-induced psychosis from a primary psychotic disorder, though patients with existing psychotic disorders often abuse psychotomimetic drugs, complicating diagnosis. There is a notable lack of information on outcomes, treatments, and best practices for substance-induced psychotic episodes.
Frontiers in Psychiatry • January 22, 2020 • Earth Erowid, Fire Erowid, Albert Garcia‐romeu et al. • 155 citations
A cross-sectional, self-report survey found that people who use psychedelics reported reductions in problematic substance use, including alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. The authors note that because the study is cross-sectional and relies on self-reports, it cannot determine whether psychedelics caused these changes. However, the results suggest a potential for psychedelics to reduce problematic substance use and support further clinical research into psychedelic-assisted treatment for substance use disorders.
Journal of ethnopharmacology • December 5, 2018 • Sara Anna Bonini, Marika Premoli, Simone Tambaro et al. • 669 citations
Cannabis sativa L. is an annual dioecious plant originating alongside early Asian agriculture. Its parts have been used therapeutically and recreationally, with Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol as the key psychoactive constituent. The phylogenetically ancient endocannabinoid system, present in primitive vertebrates, includes ligands AEA and 2-AG and receptors CB1 and CB2. This review critically evaluates ethnological, botanical, chemical, and pharmacological aspects of C. sativa from ancient times to the present, drawing on international databases, books, dissertations, and unpublished resources. Findings confirm its traditional uses and popularity as a recreational drug. Phytocannabinoids are suggested to be involved in pathophysiological mechanisms including food intake, inflammation, pain, colitis, sleep disorders, and neurological and psychiatric illness. Despite medicinal benefits, they remain banned worldwide except in a few countries.
Biological psychiatry • April 1, 2016 • Mohamed Sherif, Rajiv Radhakrishnan, Deepak Cyril D'Souza et al. • 127 citations
Controlled laboratory studies in healthy humans show that cannabinoid agonists—both plant-derived and synthetic—produce positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms resembling schizophrenia. These effects are time-locked to drug administration, dose-related, and transient. The magnitude of effects is similar to ketamine but qualitatively distinct from other psychotomimetic drugs. In individuals with schizophrenia, cannabinoid agonists transiently worsen symptoms despite antipsychotic treatment, and no beneficial effects have been found, challenging the self-medication hypothesis. Genetic polymorphisms in dopamine-related genes (COMT, DAT1, AKT1) may moderate these effects. Cannabinoid-induced dopamine release does not fully account for the psychotomimetic effects; interactions among endocannabinoid, GABA, and glutamate systems affecting neural oscillations offer a plausible mechanism.
PLoS ONE • April 16, 2015 • 546 citations
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) modestly improve depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, quality of life, and physical functioning across a range of chronic conditions. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 reviews covering 115 randomized controlled trials and 8,683 individuals found that, compared with waitlist or treatment as usual, these programs yielded small to moderate benefits: depressive symptoms (Cohen's d=0.37), anxiety (d=0.49), stress (d=0.51), quality of life (d=0.39), and physical functioning (d=0.27). The evidence supports their use as adjunct treatments for cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, depression, anxiety disorders, and prevention in healthy adults and children, though heterogeneity, possible publication bias, and limited long-term follow-up temper confidence.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology • February 1, 2015 • Hannah Steeds, Robin L Carhart-Harris, James M Stone • 132 citations
Schizophrenia involves positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms, and about one-third of patients do not respond to existing medications. This review evaluates how drugs acting on dopaminergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, cannabinoid, GABA, cholinergic, and kappa opioid systems model aspects of schizophrenia in animals and humans. Understanding interactions between these neurotransmitter systems and their links to symptoms is crucial for forming a coherent hypothesis of schizophrenia's pathogenesis and developing new therapies.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews • June 1, 2013 • Gerald Thomas, Philippe Lucas, N. Rielle Capler et al. • 327 citations
Ayahuasca-assisted therapy was linked to meaningful improvements in factors related to problematic substance use among a rural aboriginal population. The observed changes suggest positive psychological and behavioral shifts, indicating that this therapeutic approach merits further, more rigorous investigation.
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology • March 1, 2012 • Christopher D Rosenbaum, Stephanie P Carreiro, Kavita M Babu • 356 citations
Many new drugs of abuse available online remain unfamiliar to healthcare providers. Herbal marijuana alternatives like K2 or Spice contain synthetic cannabinoids mixed with plant matter. Synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") have caused nationwide emergency visits for severe agitation, sympathomimetic toxicity, and death. Kratom, from Mitragyna speciosa, has opioid-like effects and is used for chronic pain and opioid-withdrawal symptoms. Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogen with therapeutic potential but banned in many states due to psychiatric concerns. Methoxetamine is marketed as "legal ketamine." Piperazine derivatives (e.g., BZP, TMFPP) reemerge as "legal Ecstasy." These drugs are often perceived as safe but can cause life-threatening adverse effects. The paper covers background, pharmacology, clinical effects, detection, and management of these exposures.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience • January 1, 2011 • Alessandra Paparelli, Marta Di Forti, Paul D. Morrison et al. • 217 citations
Schizophrenia is best understood as a syndrome rather than a single disease, with high heritability and multiple genetic and environmental factors pushing individuals over a threshold into clinical expression. Evidence that certain drugs can induce schizophrenia-like psychosis has been neglected as an environmental factor. Over the past 60 years, understanding the link between drug abuse and psychosis has shaped the modern view that liability to psychosis, including schizophrenia, is distributed continuously through the general population, similar to hypertension and diabetes. This review examines hypotheses arising from the association between common psychotomimetic drugs (LSD, amphetamines, cannabis, phencyclidine) and schizophrenia.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology • August 1, 2010 • Nicolas Tournier, Lucie Chevillard, Bruno Megarbane et al. • 122 citations
Several drugs used in addiction treatment and substances of abuse inhibit the efflux transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in vitro, which could alter their distribution in the body, including across the blood-brain barrier. Norbuprenorphine, buprenorphine, methadone, ibogaine, and THC inhibited P-gp in a concentration-dependent manner, with norbuprenorphine being the strongest. Buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, ibogaine, and THC inhibited BCRP. Cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine, morphine, and others did not inhibit either transporter. Norbuprenorphine and methadone were transported by P-gp, but no tested compounds were transported by BCRP. The clinical relevance of norbuprenorphine's interaction with P-gp remains unclear.
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental • June 1, 2006 • Sean P. Barrett, Christine Darredeau, Robert O. Pihl • 276 citations
Among 149 university students who use drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are frequently used together and with other substances. When alcohol is taken with cannabis, psilocybin, MDMA, cocaine, amphetamine, methylphenidate, or LSD, alcohol is typically consumed first. People drink more alcohol when they also use cocaine or methylphenidate than when they drink alone. Tobacco smoking increases above usual rates when used with alcohol, cannabis, psilocybin, MDMA, cocaine, amphetamine, LSD, or methylphenidate. Cannabis use patterns do not systematically relate to other substances. The findings indicate that the way a substance is used often depends on what other substances are taken at the same time.
Journal of Psychopharmacology • March 1, 2006 • Andy C. Parrott • 139 citations
Recreational ecstasy/MDMA users show a range of neuropsychobiological deficits, but not all users are affected. Heavy use, especially intensive sessions, is linked to memory, attention, and executive function problems, as well as disturbed sleep, sexual dysfunction, reduced immune function, and oxidative stress. Around 90–95% of users also take cannabis, which independently contributes to adverse effects, though acute co-use may sometimes be interactive rather than additive. Alcohol, nicotine, and amphetamine further complicate outcomes. Pure MDMA users are rare but still show significant neurocognitive deficits.
Journal of Psychopharmacology • March 1, 2006 • Euphrosyne Gouzoulis‐mayfrank, Jörg Daumann • 179 citations
The popular dance drug ecstasy (MDMA) is neurotoxic to central serotonergic neurons in laboratory animals and possibly in humans. Studies have reported alterations in serotonergic transmission and neuropsychiatric abnormalities in ecstasy users that may relate to MDMA-induced neurotoxic brain damage. The most consistent findings associate subtle cognitive, particularly memory, deficits with heavy ecstasy use. However, most studies have important methodological problems, especially the widespread pattern of polydrug use—commonly alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants (amphetamines and cocaine)—which makes it difficult to link findings to MDMA alone. Stimulants are also neurotoxic and may act synergistically with MDMA, while cannabis has complex interactions, including neuroprotective actions that can partially block MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in animals. Future longitudinal research should clarify these relationships.
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry • June 1, 2000 • Euphrosyne Gouzoulis‐mayfrank • 309 citations
Use of ecstasy, possibly together with cannabis, may cause cognitive decline in healthy young people. An impairment of working memory might underlie declines in various task performances. The cognitive disturbance likely relates to ecstasy's neurotoxic potential, and even typical recreational doses appear sufficient to cause neurotoxicity in humans.