PhD defence by Jesper Østrup Rasmussen

Cannabidiol (CBD) as a novel treatment for psychosis

Assessment Committee:
Professor Vibe Gedsø Frøkjær, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Professor Kristine Rømer Thomsen, Aarhus University
Associate professor Rob McCutcheon, University of Oxford

Supervisors:
Clinical Professor, Deputy Head of Department Lone Baandrup
Clinical Professor Bjørn Hylsebeck Ebdrup
Clinical Professor  Birte Yding Glenthøj
Professor Poul Jørgen Jennum

Department:
Department of Clinical Medicine

Graduate Programme:
Psychiatry

Place:
Panum Building, Room: Adolf Hannover Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200

Email address to gain access to the thesis: jesper.oestrup.rasmussen@regionh.dk 
You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.

Short description of the thesis:
Could cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating component of cannabis, offer a new treatment option for psychosis?

Despite the high prevalence of cannabis use among people with psychosis, there is limited evidence to guide treatment. This PhD defence presents results from a randomized clinical trial investigating whether CBD can reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with psychosis and co-occurring cannabis use. By comparing CBD with standard antipsychotic treatment, the study addresses an important gap in psychiatric research and contributes new knowledge on potential treatment options for this underserved patient group. The thesis also explores the clinical use of cannabis-based medicinal products in Denmark and current prescribing practices.