The Complex Connections between Cannabis and Schizophrenia provides an in-depth overview of the current state of research into the role that cannabis plays in schizophrenia, covering both the pathophysiological and the pharmacological implications. It addresses the epidemiology of cannabis use and the risks associated with its use, the biological aspects of the drug, its effects on the brain and the pharmacological possibilities of using cannabidiol to treat schizophrenia. It is the only book on the market devoted exclusively to examining the links between this very commonly used (and misused) drug and a specific set of devastating psychiatric illnesses, providing a comprehensive guide to our current understandings of this relationship. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug globally, and is becoming increasingly decriminalized and even legalized worldwide. Among the numerous mental-health concerns related to the drug, there is mounting evidence of an intricate link between cannabis use and schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. At the same time, there is promising evidence to suggest that cannabidiol, one of the many compounds found in cannabis that activates the brain's cannabinoid receptors, could prove to be an effective antipsychotic to treat schizophrenia. • Synthesizes existing knowledge about the confusing, but crucial, relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia symptoms • Provides a comprehensive overview of the neurobiological mechanisms of cannabis use and its effects on the brain, including an exploration of the endocannabinoid system • Examines the promising evidence suggesting cannabidiol as an effective antipsychotic treatment for schizophrenia • Aids readers studying the neurobiological underpinning of cannabis addiction and psychosis in determining directions for their own future research About the Editors: Dr. Michael T. Compton is a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded researcher who has studied the association between premorbid cannabis use and the age at onset of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and has published extensively in this area. He is the editor of the forthcoming Marijuana and Mental Health (to be published by American Psychiatric Press in the spring of 2016), as well as several other professional texts, including the Clinical Manual of Prevention in Mental Health and The Social Determinants of Mental Health. He also serves on the editorial board of Schizophrenia Research and Treatments. Marc W. Manseau is Associate Medical Director, Adult Services, Department of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, USA |