Reviewed by Mr. Ranjeet Kumar
Sr. Audiologist, Speech Therapist & Cochlear Implant Specialist, BASLP on
About 1% of the world’s population has a neurodevelopmental disorder called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To improve certain conditions related to autism is Cannabis or Marijuana Treatment. It helps in calming down the autistic child. Find how cannabis and autism are related to know about this treatment.
Recently, many people have turned to cannabis which also called marijuana to help manage the effects of autism in their loved ones, with many reported success stories, too.
If you need any assistance or have a question about Cannabis Treatment for Autism, you can consult our HearingSol experts with your problem, feel free to call us on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.
Despite the overwhelming numbers of people are diagnosed with autism and the growing number of people are seeking cannabis treatment, very few studies are being conducted on cannabis’s ability to help treat autism.
Find out how Cannabis and Autism are related and how the former helps in curing autism.
Autism Has No Known Cure So Far
For so far, autism has no cure. However, several treatments and educational approaches have been developed to address and improve certain conditions linked to autism.
These treatments can lessen the troublesome behaviors and education can help in providing greater independence to the patients in terms of self-help skills. But no single treatment can prove effective for everyone.
For the treatment of symptoms of autism, only two medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the country.
However, both are antipsychotic drugs which are not always effective and can have harmful side effects. In recent few years, Cannabis (a plant in the family of Cannabaceae) have shown calming, clarifying effect on autistic children. Let’s get into detail about the effects of cannabis on children with autism.
Cannabis And Autism
Many treatment options to cure autism come into action after researches by scientists. None of them have found the exact cure so far.
A plant named as Cannabis (also known as marijuana) has shown some positive effects on people with autism.
Therefore, several clinical trials are looking into whether compounds in cannabis can be used to treat some of the symptoms of autism.
Breath of Life (the company producing the cannabis extracts) is able to break down the cannabis plant to extract different chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, for use in research and medicine.
There are about 140 cannabinoids. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana.
It is not a miracle plant that fixes everything. But on average, it can drop the rage of an autistic child by some points. Sometimes nothing happens at all but even if it’s not dramatic, you can see a noticeable difference.
A study also has been performed to check whether Cannabis Compound Eases Severe Symptoms of Autism. Let us discuss some of the benefits provided by Cannabis.
How Does CBD Work?
When you use a product that contains cannabidiol, it enters into your body and into your bloodstream and brain. As soon as it enters your body, it interacts with specific receptors on the neurons called cannabinoids receptors.
These receptors are found in the cannabinoid systems that are spread throughout several areas of our nervous system.
The endocannabinoid system moves up to the neurons and attaches to the cannabinoid receptors of the neuron that will send a “message.
Once they reach there, the cannabinoids are able to control what happens the next time the neurons activate. And thus can effectively motivate good changes to the body and mind.
Benefits Of Cannabis In Curing Autism
- ASD is often accompanied by other neurological disorders such as epilepsy, which could arise from an underlying central nervous system condition. Epilepsy commonly occurs in about one-third of people with ASD. The extracts of cannabis were found to be safe and effective for the treatment of epilepsy, which also bothers around 20% of autistic children.
- The most well-known properties of marijuana are neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic, besides possessing.
- Treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and dependence.
- Researchers studying the effects of cannabis extracts on epilepsy realized that the compounds helped patients to deal with some symptoms of autism as well.
- CBD could decrease anxiety and depressive systems by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain.
- In a small observational study, most patients were given a CBD-THC tincture daily for three months improved at least one of the core symptoms of ASD, including social communication, language, or repetitive behaviors.
Cannabis Oil Treatment For Autism
For the purpose of a clinical trial for observing the effects of cannabis oil on autism, patients are given liquid cannabis drops that are mixed with food.
It consists of low levels of THC (the primary psychoactive component in cannabis). That is why it does not cause a high effect on the patients.
Results have shown that many children are showing considerable improvements. Some of them are no longer hurting themselves or throwing tantrums as before, while others are being more communicative.
Certain children have also been able to rejoin their classes that they had to quit earlier due to behavioral problems.
However, certain concerns still exist. One of the most concerning reason is the long-term impact on the brain development of marijuana on young patients.
But Breath of Life Pharma sets aside these warnings, stating that the current antipsychotic drugs being prescribed to children are much more harmful than cannabis oil for autism.
Side Effects Of Cannabis
The side effects of cannabinoids depend on the specific compounds used and the ratio in which they are used. There are mild side effects of cannabis, which include-
- Drowsiness
- Increased sleep
- Diarrhea
Recent Studies On Cannabinoids And Its Effect On Autism
In one study of 2010, an autistic child was given THC for six months and it reported significant reductions in the symptoms of autism.
A retrospective study is been performed to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of CBD on children with an autism spectrum disorder.
The results of this study have shown positive results. Behavioral outbreaks were much improved in 61% of patients. The anxiety and communication problems were much improved by 39% and 47% respectively.
Outlook
Many clinical trials are investigating whether different cannabis compounds can be used to treat autism.
It is important to remember that autism is diagnosed in early childhood, so you should be careful in treating a child with marijuana and it should be done in consultation with a medical professional.
Most of the autistic children exhibit self-harming behavior. Cannabis will help to regulate and reduce its effects.
Based on the child’s level of autism on the autism spectrum, the specialist will provide the right amount of cannabis to your child.
If you need any assistance or have a question about Cannabis Treatment for Autism, you can consult our HearingSol experts with your problem, feel free to call us on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.