Those With Schizophrenia Who Use Cannabis Have Significantly Lower Rates of Metabolic Syndrome, Study Finds

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

November 21, 2025

Analysis of 988 adults with schizophrenia from the landmark CATIE trial revealed that those with detectable cannabis use via hair testing (14.8%) had markedly lower rates of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions increasing cardiovascular and diabetes risk—compared to non-users (42.5% vs. 60.5%). After controlling for confounders like age, smoking, and other substances, cannabis exposure remained independently linked to 36% reduced odds of the syndrome, particularly lower abdominal obesity. Users also showed lower body weight, BMI, triglycerides, and higher "good" HDL cholesterol in unadjusted data. Published in Schizophrenia Research by University of Adelaide researchers, the findings highlight unexpected metabolic differences despite antipsychotic medications' known weight-gain side effects. The cross-sectional design prevents causal claims, and mechanisms remain unclear. Longitudinal research is needed to determine if cannabis influences metabolic health in schizophrenia or if other factors explain the association.