Science & tech

The Medical Minute: Schizophrenia and Mythbusting with Cannabis

Published on December 17, 2013 · Last updated July 28, 2020

Whenever it looks like medical marijuana has reached the limits of its potential, the ceiling is pushed higher. This Medical Minute focuses on the headway cannabis research has made in just the past few weeks:

1. Cannabis Doesn’t Cause Schizophrenia

The popular myth that cannabis consumption leads to schizophrenia was dispelled by a recent Harvard study published in Schizophrenia Research. Even participants who had used cannabis throughout adolescence — which was previously considered a risk factor — showed no disease progression unless schizophrenia ran in their family. They concluded that genetic predisposition, not cannabis, is the underlying basis of schizophrenia development. Cannabis – 1, prohibition propaganda – 0.

2. Cannabis Treats Metabolic Syndrome

U.K. researchers at GW Pharmaceuticals have uncovered cannabis’ therapeutic potential in treating metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes. In their study, certain cannabis compounds were found to suppress appetite, which flies in the face of the conventional belief that cannabis induces feeding frenzies. Researchers observed that the cannabinoid THCV reduces appetite, restores insulin, lowers cholesterol, and decreases body fat. So much for munchie-related stereotypes.

3. Cannabis Takes a Step into U.S. Pharmaceuticals

GW Pharmaceuticals has also received a patent from the United States to produce cannabinoid-based medication for treatment of glioma — a condition in which tumors form in the brain’s glial tissue. Synthetic forms of cannabinoids like Marinol have been used in the U.S., but GW Pharmaceuticals engineer their medications with real cannabis (which is a big deal).

Image sources: genista, capturelifeinaction, dankdepot

Shop highly rated stores near you

Showing you stores near
See all stores
Bailey Rahn
Bailey Rahn
Bailey is a senior content manager at Leafly, specializing in strains and health. She's spent 7+ years researching cannabis products, spreading patients’ stories, and exploring healthy ways of integrating cannabis into daily life.
View Bailey Rahn's articles
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App Store
Download Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play




The material provided on Leafly is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Leafly is not engaged in rendering medical service or advice and the information provided is not a substitute for a professional medical opinion. If you have a medical problem, please contact a qualified health professional.


© 2024 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.