The autism community is (literally) buzzing over several recent studies showing that cannabis and CBD-based products may help those on the spectrum, alleviating symptoms, and creating a much better quality of life.
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that in a study of 60 children on the autism spectrum, the use of cannabidiol-rich cannabis improved behavioral outbreaks in 61% of patients. Building on that vein, a study published in January 2019 found the same results. With 188 patients on the autism spectrum treated with medical cannabis between 2015 and 2017, the study found that an oil with 30% CBD and 1.5% THC not only offered patients improvement, but the oil appeared to be “well-tolerated, safe and effective.”
Some parents claim that CBD can alleviate behavior related to outbursts and anxiety. Often coupled with anxiety, both autism and anxiety has been so stigmatized, many choose to stay quiet about their diagnosis. New studies and growing conversations around the role of cannabis and CBD between both caregivers and those on the autism spectrum are opening doors for greater understanding and less fear to try different and innovative methods of managing symptoms into solutions.