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

NCT ID NCT07001878

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

CANNABIS USE PSYCHOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program
RECRUITING

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery Program
RECRUITING

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

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