NEW research has reported medical cannabis may improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and young adults.
Doctors discovered that taking cannabidiol (CBD) orally as a liquid supplement may reverse certain behaviours such as aggression and tantrums in research undertaken by experts at a leading university in Brazil.
The youngsters studied also showed “significant” improvements in social skills.
The findings have prompted a conclusion that, while more research is recommended, CBD or medical cannabis could be recommended to be taken alongside standard therapies as part of autism treatments plans.
Other benefits to the autistic children and teenagers involved in the research included improved sleep and feeling less anxious. Side effects like tiredness and appetite changes showed as being of no “significant difference”.
The UK’s leading medical cannabis clinic Lyphe has backed the findings, explaining the results are in line with the feedback from its adult patients.
Researchers had analysed three studies involving 276 children and young people aged five to 21 years of age with autism.
The young patients received either a placebo or a gradually increasing dose of CBD, with the dosage starting at one milligram per kg of body weight up to, eventually, 10mg per kg of body weight.
The research – presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry – suggested it works by CBD activating molecules that bind to receptors in the brain responsible for regulating stress, brain development, sleep and mood regulation.
The researchers explained in their report:
“CBD cannabis extracts appear to provide meaningful benefits for children and adolescents with ASD, showing moderate improvements in social responsiveness and small yet notable reductions in disruptive behaviors and anxiety. They do not seem to significantly increase adverse effects compared to placebo, suggesting a favorable safety profile. These findings support the potential consideration of CBD cannabis extracts in ASD treatment plans. However, the review’s limitations include a small number of studies, limited sample sizes, and significant heterogeneity. Future research with larger, robust trials is needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of CBD cannabis extracts in managing ASD.”
Professor Geert Dom, president of the European Congress of Psychiatry added:
“ASD can be extremely frustrating for all involved; parents of children and adolescents with the disorder, the treating clinicians and of course the children and adolescents themselves. A large part of this frustration is down to finding a viable treatment option that works to reduce symptoms. It is with delight that we see the results of this meta-analysis and we hope to see further research into this so we can move towards a solution to the unmet need within this community”.
Dr Lara Cappelletti Beneti Branco, lead investigator at University of São Paulo in Brazil, said:
‘The global population prevalence of ASD diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective.’
‘It is promising to see the effect of CBD cannabis extract on the study participants. However, there still needs to be considerable focus on further research with larger trials to clarify its efficacy and safety in managing ASD.‘
Sources: https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/cbd-may-ease-autism-symptoms-in-children
For more information on medical cannabis treatment for ASD and related conditions:
Read:How Medical Cannabis Supports My ADHD & Autism: A Patient’s Journey
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Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. We strongly advise readers to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
To reflect its medicinal nature rather than recreational use, we prefer the term ‘medical cannabis’ over terms such as ‘marijuana’, “grass”. or ‘dope’ which may carry negative connotations.
The opinions expressed in the blog belong to the respective authors, who are not medical professionals, and may not necessarily align with those of Lyphe Clinic. Lyphe Clinic does not endorse any specific products or services mentioned, except those provided through Lyphe Clinic.
Readers should be aware that the legality of medical cannabis varies by location, and this disclaimer may be subject to periodic updates.
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