Acceptability of cannabidiol as a treatment for people at clinical high risk for psychosis

Journal article

Background: At present, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for people at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P). We sought to assess the acceptability of cannabidiol (CBD): a promising candidate treatment for this population. Methods: CHR-P individuals completed a survey which assessed their views on the acceptability of CBD, its expected effectiveness and side effects, and on formulation preferences. Results: The sample comprised 55 CHR-P individuals (24.3 [19-34] years and 69% female). Most (91%) were familiar with CBD, and had previously used cannabis (64%), and around half (42%) had tried over-the-counter CBD. 75% (95%CIs: 64-86%) were willing to take CBD as an intervention for mental health problems. Most participants anticipated fewer side effects with CBD than with existing medications, and preferred tablet or capsule formulations over liquids. Discussion: CBD is perceived as a highly acceptable treatment among CHR-P individuals.

Authors: Oliver, D; Chesney, E; Wallman, P; Estradé, A; Azis, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry
• Volume: 17
• Pages: 1823912
• Article number: 1823912
• Publication date: 2026-04-27
• Acceptance date: 2026-04-09
• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1823912
• EISSN: 1664-0640
• ISSN: 1664-0640
• Language: English
• Keywords: acceptability; cannabidiol; psychosis; novel therapeutics; prevention