CBD May Help Stabilize Brain Chemistry in People at High Risk for Psychosis, Study Finds

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

December 5, 2025

Researchers at King’s College London found that cannabidiol (CBD) may normalize brain chemistry in those at high risk for psychosis, per a study in Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging. Thirty-three participants at clinical high risk received 600 mg CBD or placebo, with 19 healthy controls, undergoing MRI scans and hippocampal glutamate measurements during a verbal learning task. Placebo groups showed positive correlations between glutamate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation, mirroring early psychosis patterns unlike controls. CBD groups exhibited negative correlations, suggesting pathway normalization, with similar effects in the parahippocampal gyrus and amygdala during recall. These results indicate CBD modulates neurochemical links vital for memory and cognition, potentially preventing psychosis progression. The findings build on prior evidence of CBD's antipsychotic properties, offering a non-intoxicating alternative to traditional medications with fewer side effects. As psychosis affects thinking, perception, and behavior, early interventions like CBD could improve outcomes for at-risk individuals, reducing stigma and enhancing quality of life. Further trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and optimal dosing, but this supports CBD's therapeutic promise in mental health, aligning with broader cannabis research trends.