Could a common diabetes drug shield the brain from High-Potency cannabis in psychosis?

NCT ID NCT07001878

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether metformin, a diabetes drug, can help protect brain white matter in young adults (18-25) with early psychosis who use cannabis. Participants will take metformin for 6 months and undergo brain scans and questionnaires. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible, not to prove it works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Metformin (a diabetes drug used off-label to potentially protect brain white matter)

What this could lead to

If this pilot shows that metformin is feasible and may protect brain white matter, it could point toward a new way to reduce brain damage from high-potency cannabis in young people with psychosis.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early feasibility study (24 people) not designed to prove effectiveness. It may fail to show any benefit, and metformin can cause side effects like nausea or diarrhea.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cannabis dependence psychotic disorder Psychotic Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program

    RECRUITING

    Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

  • Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery Program

    RECRUITING

    St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada