Ep. 58: Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis in Autism: New Evidence

As our country shifts its perspectives in so many paradigms, we are now recognizing how harmful pharmaceutical drugs can be for the human body.  Previous research has indicated that autism spectrum disorder affected 1 in 36 children in the US.  However, with Robert F. Kennedy as our new Secretary of Health & Human Services, it was recently reported that that number had changed - we now consider the prevalence of ASD to be 1 in 31 children, a sharp increase in not only the number of children affected, but also the effects these new diagnoses have on families and communities at large.  We want to bring you an update on how cannabis can be used effectively and safely for the treatment of ASD, and since April is Autism Awareness Month, this is the place to share the latest research about autism.

In this episode of Cannabis Nurse Truths, we examine the latest research that suggests non-intoxicating cannabinoids, like CBD, can play a role in moderating the symptoms of ASD while also improving the quality of life for children with ASD and their families.  This episode will also bring in concepts that we presented in Episode 12 - Autism & Cannabis: A Promising Potential.  With our updated evidence, it really does seem that cannabis has a potential benefit for children with autism.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Avalos, L.A., Shenkute, M., Alexeeff, S.E., Oberman, N., Croen, L.A., Davignon, M., Adams, S.R., Ansley, D., Castellanos, C., & Young-Wolff, K.C. (2024). Maternal prenatal cannabis use and child Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA Network Open, 7(10), e2440301. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40301  

Campos, M.G., China, M., Cláudio, M., Capinha, M., Torres, R., Oliveira, S., & Fortuna, A. (2024). Drug–cannabinoid interactions in selected therapeutics for symptoms associated with epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and pain. Pharmaceuticals, 17(5), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050613  

da Costa, M. de A., Fernandes, G.Z., Maiochi, E., Ebs, M.F.P., Darós, F. da S., Bolan, S.J., Costa, R.R.N., de Rezende, V. L., da Silva, G.C., Bitencourt, R.M., & Gonçalves, C.L. (2025). Effects of cannabidiol isolated or in association with risperidone in an animal model of autism. Developmental Neurobiology, 85(1), e22955. https://doi.org/10.1002/dneu.22955  

Dallabrida, K.G., De Oliveira Bender, J.M., Chade, E.S., Rodrigues, N., & Sampaio, T. B. (2024). Endocannabinoid system changes throughout life: Implications and therapeutic potential for autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain Sciences, 14(6), 592. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14060592  

Ibsen, E.W.D., & Thomsen, P.H. (2024). Cannabinoids as alleviating treatment for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 78(7), 553–560. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2024.2381541  

Jana, A., Nath, A., Sen, P., Kundu, S., Alghamdi, B.S., Abujamel, T.S., Saboor, M., Woon-Khiong, C., Alexiou, A., Papadakis, M., Alam, M.Z., & Ashraf, G.M. (2024). Unraveling the endocannabinoid system: Exploring its therapeutic potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder. NeuroMolecular Medicine, 26(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12017-024-08781-6  

Jawed, B., Esposito, J.E., Pulcini, R., Zakir, S.K., Botteghi, M., Gaudio, F., Savio, D., Martinotti, C., Martinotti, S., & Toniato, E. (2024). The evolving role of cannabidiol-rich cannabis in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(22), Article 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212453  

Pedrazzi, J.F.C., Hassib, L., Ferreira, F.R., Hallak, J.C., Del-Bel, E., & Crippa, J.A. (2024). Chapter 8—Therapeutic potential of CBD in Autism Spectrum Disorder. In E. Del-Bel, F.V. Gomes, & S.F. Lisboa (Eds.), International Review of Neurobiology (Vol. 177, pp. 149–203). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.irn.2024.05.002  

Pereira, D.A., Cheidde, L., Megiolaro, M.D. R., Camargo, A.E.F., Weba, E.T.P., Soares, V.G., Silva, A.M.P. da, Cheidde, L., Júnior, P.P.L., Amaral, D.C., Triaca, R., Fernandes, M.A.N., Mimura, P.M.P., Pereira, D.A., Cheidde, L., Sr, M.D.M., Camargo, A.E., Weba, E., Soares, V., … Mimura, P.M.P. (2025). Efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for Autism Spectrum Disorder: An updated systematic review. Cureus, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.80725  

Rice, L.J., Cannon, L., Dadlani, N., Cheung, M.M.Y., Einfeld, S.L., Efron, D., Dossetor, D.R., & Elliott, E.J. (2024). Efficacy of cannabinoids in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders among children and adolescents: A systematic review. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 33(2), 505–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-023-02169-w  

da Silva Junior, E.A.D., Medeiros, W.M.B., Santos, J.P.M.D., Sousa, J.M.M.D., Costa, F.B.D., Pontes, K.M., ... & Albuquerque, K.L.G.D.D. (2024). Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol-rich cannabis extract in children with autism spectrum disorder: randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 46, e20210396. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35617670/