New research has shown cannabis-derived substances may improve cognitive impairment specific to schizophrenia without the side effects current medications cause, reported Medical News Today.

The research, conducted on rats, suggests cannabidiol (CBD) is a better alternative than antipsychotics when treating the cognitive deficits and social withdrawal of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia affects 3.5 million people, or roughly 1.1 percent of the U.S. population.

Antipsychotics, which are typically used to treat schizophrenia, can cause muscle spasms, restlessness, tremors, drowsiness or dizziness. At times some can lead to weight gain, metabolic changes, and increased risk of diabetes and high cholesterol.