Can medical cannabis help autism?
No cannabis product is FDA-approved to treat autism. Research is limited. Some small trials tested cannabidiol (CBD). Results were mixed. More study is needed.
CBD for Autism vs THC: A Comprehensive Comparison Review
What the research shows
As of 2024, the FDA has not approved cannabis or CBD for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD drug, for three epilepsy syndromes. Those syndromes are Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Autism is not one of them.
A 2019 review in Frontiers in Neurology looked at 10 studies. The studies had small sample sizes. Some reported less self-injury and aggression. Others reported no change. Side effects included sleepiness and changes in appetite.
A 2021 trial at NYU Langone tested CBD in 30 children with autism. The trial found no big difference between CBD and placebo on irritability scores. A 2023 trial in Israel tested CBD and THC. That trial reported some improvement in behavior. The trial had 20 participants.
can medical cannabis help autism
Symptoms people try to treat
Parents and caregivers report using cannabis for:
- Aggression
- Self-injury
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Irritability
These symptoms vary. Autism is a spectrum. What helps one person may not help another.
Risks and side effects
Cannabis can cause side effects. These include:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea
THC can cause paranoia and anxiety in some people. Cannabis may affect brain development in children and teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against cannabis use for anyone under 21. The group cites risks to memory and attention.
CBD can interact with other drugs. It can raise levels of some anti-seizure drugs. Talk to a doctor before using any cannabis product.
Legal status in the US
Cannabis is illegal under federal law. As of 2024, 38 states and the District of Columbia allow medical cannabis. Some states allow cannabis for autism. Others do not. Check your state's list of qualifying conditions. A doctor's recommendation is required in states with medical programs.
What to ask a doctor
Ask these questions:
- Does my state allow cannabis for autism?
- What dose is safe for my child?
- What product has low THC and high CBD?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Will cannabis interact with my child's other medicines?
No major medical group recommends cannabis as a first-line treatment for autism. Current first-line treatments include behavioral therapy and speech therapy. Some drugs, like risperidone and aripiprazole, are FDA-approved for irritability in autism.