Autism
Category
Behavioral, Neurodevelopmental, Psychiatric
REVIEWED BY
Our Biomedical Scientist
Reviewed based on
Literature Discussion
Last update
July 2020
What is Autism
Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurodevelopment disorders that affect how a person socializes and perceives the world. People with autism spectrum disorder often have limited and repetitive patterns of behavior compared to people who do not have this condition.1
Autism spectrum disorders are often noticeable and diagnosed in childhood, and boys have a higher risk to develop an autism spectrum disorder compared to girls.2
Symptoms may be:1
- Difficulty in social interactions and communication as a person within the autism spectrum is unable to relate and understand others to the same extent
- Limited and/or repetitive patterns of behavior
- Highly engaged in special interests or activities
The connection between Cannabinoids & Autism
Studies find that CBD and THC may have great therapeutic potential and may be used to help treat Autism. CBD and THC are well-known cannabinoids, however, they do not have the same psychoactive effects. THC is psychoactive while CBD does not possess psychoactive effects. According to WHO guidelines, the cannabidiol CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.
There is evidence showing that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in the development of autism spectrum disorders, therefore, treatment with cannabinoids may be beneficial.3
However, there is a lack of evidence for cannabis use in autism spectrum disorders, indicating that large-scale controlled trials are needed to better understand risks and benefits.4
The literature discussion is an overview of the published results from scientific studies investigating if and how cannabinoids can be beneficial in the treatment of Autism. The overview will be updated regularly to ensure the newest and most accurate information.
Targeting cannabinoid receptor CB1 may be beneficial in treatment
In a genetic mouse model of mental impairment and autism (FMR1 knockout), cognitive defects were normalized through blockage of CB1 , proposing that CB1 may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of autism.5
CBD may treat autistic symptoms without the side effects from current medications
In an observational study, it was demonstrated that CBD-enriched Cannabis sativa extract can exhibit positive effects in multiple autistic symptoms without producing the typical side effects found in patients who receive Autism Spectrum Disorders medications.6
Clinical trials are research studies that examine new treatments and evaluate their effects on human health outcomes.
Today, we are not able to provide any clinical trials about cannabinoids and Autism.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325574
- https://ghmedical.com/endocannabinoid-system/diseases/autism
- Agarwal, R., (2019). “ Current state of evidence of cannabis utilization for treatment of autism spectrum disorders”. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-019-2259-4
Literaure - Busquets-Garcia et al., (2013). ” Targeting the endocannabinoidsystem in the treatment of fragile X syndrome. Nat. Med. 19, 603–607”. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23542787/
- Fleury-Teixeira, Paulo, et al. (2019). “Effects of CBD-enriched Cannabis sativa extract on autism spectrum disorder symptoms: an observational study of 18 participants undergoing compassionate use.” Frontiers in neurology 10 : 1145. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31736860/
CANNABINOIDS & RECEPTORS
Below you find the plant cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoids that are associated with the potential therapy.
If you have any further information relevant to the connection between Autism and cannabinoids or find any of the information inaccurate, outdated or incomplete please contact us here.
