Medical Cannabis a Safe and Effective Treatment for Autism

Could cannabis make life easier for those afflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorders? New research out of Israel suggests that high-CBD, low-THC marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for many of its most common symptoms.

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Proponents of cannabis have known for some time how powerfully healing this plant can be. In my personal experience and what I’ve witnessed from family and friends, I’ve seen it provide relief from autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and lupus; minimize discomfort from chronic digestive issues and migraine headaches; and even recommended by mainstream physicians for cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.

While prohibition has stymied research, it continues to substantiate these claims. The US federal government has taken awhile to catch up. But even they admitted that cannabis (or, at least CBD) is medicine when they approved Epidiolex, the first plant-based cannabinoid pharmaceutical, last summer and added it to Schedule V (while cannabis itself remains on Schedule I) for use by those with intractable seizure disorders.

The Study: Autism and Cannabis

Now, as a result of a two-year study entitled Real Life Experience Of Medical Cannabis Treatment In Autism: Analysis Of Safety And Efficacy and performed by Tikun Olam, Israel’s largest national provider of medical cannabis, there’s some science to back up anecdotal accounts that cannabis can help those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

A neurodevelopmental disorder with a high rate of variability in both severity and symptoms, ASD is characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction as well as restrictive or repetitive interests and behaviors. Autism diagnoses have increased drastically in recent decades. Though it’s not clear whether this is due to a greater occurrence of the condition or advances in detection.

There are currently no approved cures or treatments, though therapies and other interventions may help diminish problematic behaviors and foster independence in people with autism. Israel allowed medical cannabis treatment for epilepsy in 2014. The widespread success of this medicine prompted many parents of autistic children to seek treatment in search of similar results.

The study, published last week in Scientific Reports, followed 188 children diagnosed with ASD. All received treatment with medical cannabis at Tikun Olam from 2015 to 2017. Participants used Avidekel, a trademarked high-CBD, low-THC cannabis strain, in the form of cannabis oil with a 30% CBD to 1.5% THC ratio. They hoped the cannabis would mitigate symptoms of ASD, ranging from seizures to lack of appetite.

The Results

What they found was fairly stunning. The vast majority – roughly 80% – of patients reported improvement in their symptoms, with 30% reporting “significant” improvement. A further indication of medical marijuana’s efficacy, 34% of patients decreased other medications while 20% of patients ceased using antipsychotic pharmaceuticals. These are compelling numbers, especially when coupled with the fact that side effects were minimal and included sleepiness and psychoactive effect.

While many children showed reduced symptoms across the board, some areas stood out. Researchers saw the most marked change in restlessness (91% reported improvement or ceasing of symptoms), rage attacks, and agitation, also the three most widely reported symptoms. And no surprises here: cannabis had a positive impact on sleep problems, with almost 20% of patients stating that their symptom disappeared and another 58.6% reported that it had  improved. Children who suffered from tics and seizures saw a dramatic decrease in their symptoms.

Participants also demonstrated an overwhelmingly positive response regarding psychological symptoms. This discovery has implications beyond treating ASD and supports what cannabis consumers have related about its effect on mood disorders. It’s exciting to think that – independent of autism – anxiety, depression, and attention issues could benefit from cannabis treatment too.

“Autism is a leading condition of concern worldwide, so this study couldn’t have come at a better time,” Dr. Annabelle Manalo, PhD, Tikun Olam’s Science Director, stated in a press release. “The data shows that autism patients can improve their overall quality of life utilizing a high CBD strain, and most importantly, that young users can safely and effectively benefit from medical cannabis. With this study, cannabis is shown to be an effective choice for parents looking for the safest and most neuroprotective treatment.”

A Foundation for Hope

It’s important to note that this was not a double blind, placebo-controlled study. Rather, researchers included data from patients receiving treatment at Tikun Olam for a diagnosis of autism between 2015 and 2017. While this does not minimize the benefit to patients, it does highlight the need for more rigorous study to corroborate the findings. (Tikun Olam is in support of these kinds of controlled studies.) This kind of research is a step in the right direction and a tremendous foundation for further study to unlock the true potential of this plant.

For parents of children with ASD, this study could provide a lifeline. The possibility of a safe and effective, plant-based medicine that may improve your child’s symptoms. That could provide some level of relief for them and for your family. Surely any parent can appreciate the feeling of hope that comes with discovering a viable option to ease your child’s suffering. The findings of Tikun Olam’s study should encourage more research around cannabis’s effect on symptoms of autism. And it will hopefully inspire more families to seek out responsible cannabis treatment for their children.