Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. It is estimated that about 1 in 54 children in the United States have ASD. Although there is no cure for ASD, various treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Recently, there has been growing interest in the use of medical cannabis as a potential treatment for ASD.

Clinical trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based treatments for children with ASD. One such study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on behavioural symptoms in children with ASD. The study found that CBD was associated with significant improvement in behavioral problems such as anxiety and aggression compared to placebo. However, CBD was also associated with more side effects such as sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, and diarrhea (1).

Another study evaluated the effects of a cannabis-based product containing THC and CBD on symptoms of ASD in children. The study found that the product was associated with significant improvement in symptoms such as hyperactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety compared to placebo. However, the product was also associated with more side effects such as increased appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea (2).

Despite these positive findings, the use of medical cannabis in children with ASD remains controversial. Some experts have raised concerns about the potential risks and long-term effects of cannabis on the developing brain. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, has been shown to impair cognitive function and increase the risk of mental health problems in adolescents and young adults (3). Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of cannabis-based treatments in children with ASD.

Furthermore, the lack of standardised dosing and formulations of cannabis-based products makes it difficult to compare findings across studies and draw definitive conclusions about their efficacy and safety. More research is needed to determine the optimal dosing and delivery methods of cannabis-based treatments for children with ASD.

In conclusion, clinical trials have shown promising results regarding the efficacy of cannabis-based treatments for children with ASD, particularly in improving behavioral symptoms. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of these treatments, and to develop standardized dosing and delivery methods. It is important for parents and healthcare providers to discuss the potential risks and benefits of cannabis-based treatments and make informed decisions based on the individual needs of the child.

References:

1. Barchel D, Stolar O, De-Haan T, et al. Oral cannabidiol use in children with autism spectrum disorder to treat related symptoms and co-morbidities. Front Pharmacol. 2019;9:1521. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01521

2. Aran A, Cassuto H, Lubotzky A, Wattad N, Hazan E. Brief report: Cannabidiol-rich cannabis in children with autism spectrum disorder and severe behavioral problems—a retrospective feasibility study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019;49(3):1284-1288. doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3808-2

3. Volkow ND, Baler RD, Compton WM, Weiss SRB. Adverse health effects of marijuana use. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(23):2219-2227. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1402309