Advancing the understanding of cannabinoids in psychiatry

We are pleased to introduce the first special issue of Acta Neuropsychiatrica, which is dedicated to exploring the role of cannabinoids in psychiatric research and treatment. By concentrating on the multifaceted aspects of cannabinoids in psychiatry, this issue aims to provide an update and overview of current research trends, emerging insights, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Cannabinoids have garnered increasing attention in psychiatry due to their potential therapeutic applications across a range of mental disorders. The endocannabinoid system is integral to the regulation of mood, cognition, and stress responses, and its dysregulation has been implicated in conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The articles in this special issue cover a spectrum of topics that highlight both the promise and complexity of cannabinoids in psychiatric contexts (Brianis et al., Reference Brianis, Andreotti, Moreira and Iglesias2024; Brianis, Iglesias, et al., Reference Brianis, Iglesias, Bedeschi and Moreira2024; Kajero et al., Reference Kajero, Seedat, Ohaeri, Akindele and Aina2024; Maes et al., Reference Maes, Rachayon, Jirakran, Sughondhabirom, Almulla and Sodsai2024; Chaves et al., Reference Chaves, Raymundi, Waltrick, de Souza Crippa, Stern, da Cunha and Zanoveli2024; Sanchez-Fernandez et al., Reference Sanchez-Fernandez, Gomez-Acero, Sarasola, Argerich, Chevigne, Jacobson, Ciruela, Fernandez-Duenas and Aso2024; Cohen et al., Reference Cohen, Petitjean, Blasco and Mizrahi2024; de Mattos et al., Reference de Mattos, Bonato, Splendor, Del Bel, Milani and de Oliveira2024; Machado et al., Reference Machado, de Almeida, Zuardi, Hallak, Crippa and Vieira2024), ranging from the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in a variety of settings to research on the interplay between endocannabinoid and endovanilloid mechanisms giving new perspectives on fear conditioning and memory consolidation.

While these studies underscore the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, they also highlight the need for caution and further research. The current evidence base is limited by factors such as small sample sizes and short durations in clinical studies, if present. Moreover, concerns about adverse effects, particularly with high-potency cannabis products, necessitate rigorous investigation to establish safety and efficacy profiles for psychiatric applications.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the work of our guest editors, Professor Francisco Guimarães and Professor Sâmia Joca, whose significant contributions are instrumental in the creation of this issue and in advancing our understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential (Joca & Guimaraes, Reference Joca and Guimaraes2024).

We hope that this special issue will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and students, fostering a deeper understanding of how cannabinoids, in particular CBD, may be harnessed to improve mental health outcomes. As the field continues to evolve, we anticipate that the insights presented herein will catalyse further studies and contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

We invite you to engage with the articles in this special issue and join us in exploring the complex yet promising landscape of cannabinoids in psychiatry.