Randomized Laboratory Study of Single-Dose Cannabis, Dronabinol, and Placebo in Patients With Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use Disorder
Schizophrenia Bulletin June 20, 2024 Mary F. Brunette, Robert M. Roth, Christi L. Trask et al. 5 citations
A single modest dose of oral THC (15 mg dronabinol) worsened verbal learning and attention in people with schizophrenia and co-occurring cannabis use disorder, without exacerbating psychotic symptoms several hours after administration. Smoked low-dose THC cigarettes did not produce these cognitive effects. Higher blood THC levels were linked to increased negative symptoms. Drug liking was greater with THC than placebo. The findings suggest that oral THC may impair cognition in this population even at modest doses, while not acutely worsening psychosis.