Evaluating Delta-8-THC-Induced Psychosis: A Systematic Review.
Megan Jayne Ralston, Alim Osman
Clinical Neuropharmacology DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000619 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | Patients with delta-8-THC use and psychiatric symptoms |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Delta-8-THC is associated with severe psychiatric adverse events, including psychosis, despite being less intoxicating than delta-9-THC. |
Abstract
This study reviews literature on the psychiatric effects of delta-8-THC, particularly psychosis and severe mental health outcomes, to highlight the need for further research and regulation. Marijuana, the most widely used illicit drug in the United States, sees increasing use due to legalization. Although moderate use is generally safe, adverse effects can occur, especially in those with preexisting conditions. Delta-9-THC is known for its psychoactive effects and potential to induce psychosis. Delta-8-THC, another cannabinoid, is gaining popularity and has been linked to severe adverse events but remains under-researched. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science followed PRISMA guidelines to identify studies and case reports on delta-8-THC and psychosis. Articles on delta-9-THC or other cannabinoids were excluded. Relevant studies were screened, and duplicates removed. The included studies were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist for Case Reports. The search identified 201 studies, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria for full-text analysis. Six case reports, involving 9 patients, were reviewed. Most patients were male and in their 20s, with varied psychiatric histories, including no prior psychiatric history, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Reported symptoms included psychosis, mood lability, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Treatments varied, with different clinical outcomes. Delta-8-THC poses significant psychiatric risks despite being less intoxicating than delta-9-THC. The lack of Food and Drug Administration regulation and the availability of delta-8-THC products heighten these risks. More rigorous studies are needed to understand delta-8-THC's impact on mental health and inform regulatory actions.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effects of cannabis use on outcomes of psychotic disorders: systematic review People with psychotic disorders, as examined in 13 longitudinal studies | 2008 | Systematic review | |
| The Impact of Cannabis Use on Cognitive Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of Existing Findings and New Data in a First-Episode Sample Patients with established schizophrenia (meta-analysis: 572) and patients with... | 2010 | Meta-analysis and cross-sectional observational study | n = 700 |
| Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Neuroimaging in cannabis use: a systematic review of the literature Cannabis users and controls in neuroimaging studies | 2009 | Systematic review | |
| Human Laboratory Studies on Cannabinoids and Psychosis. Healthy human subjects and individuals with schizophrenia | 2016 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- Distinct Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Neural Activation During Emotional Processing Archives of General Psychiatry 2009
- Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on evaluation of emotional images Journal of Psychopharmacology May 13, 2012
- The synthetic cannabinoids phenomenon: from structure to toxicological properties. A review Critical Reviews in Toxicology May 27, 2020
- Characterizing psychosis-relevant phenomena and cognitive function in a unique population with isolated, chronic and very heavy cannabis exposure Psychological Medicine October 16, 2019
- Psychosis and synthetic cannabinoids. Psychiatry Research October 2018
and 1 more in the library