Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complicated developmental disorder that includes problems with thinking, social skills, and verbal and non-verbal communication. According to the statistics, autism affects one child out of 54 in the U.S. alone. Autism is a pervasive disorder, which means each patient has distinct symptoms and problems. The most common symptoms involve minimal eye contact, repetitive behavior, sensitivity to senses, poor concentration, anxiety, and communication problems.

Autism has no cure. Early diagnosis and behavioral therapies can help the development process of children. Sometimes medicine is administered to cope with anxiety and hyperactivity of the patients.

How Can Cannabis Help?

The plant-based drug cannabis can have a therapeutic effect on autism. Cannabis comprises two significant cannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that have various medical benefits. THC is the psychoactive compound that can affect motor activities, cognitive functioning, and appetite in autism. CBD is the non-psychoactive compound that can regulate behavioral symptoms, sleep cycles, and anxiety.

The animal model of autism study shows that cannabinoids in cannabis can regulate various receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS modulates many physiological processes, including brain functioning, immune system, and nervous system, thus providing homeostasis of the body. The cannabinoids interact with receptors like serotonin and dopamine to produce anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects and regulate GABA receptors that may get altered in autism. 

Cannabis extract might treat various physical and psychological disorders, including autism in children. A recent study shows that CBD is beneficial in treating multiple symptoms of autism and improving patients’ quality of life. Another study based on the medical benefit of cannabis shows that almost 80% of parents reported CBD-rich extracts are well-tolerated, safer, and shown to improve autistic children than most available treatments.  

As cannabis is showing a promising medicinal effect on autism, many cannabis brands are manufacturing products like oils, tinctures, and capsules that can help relieve symptoms of autism. With the presence of online portals, parents can order these products at their doorsteps. For instance, by clicking online dispensary Canada, parents can fetch the knowledge of medical cannabis products available in that region and can place an order for hassle-free delivery.

Cannabis treatment in autism

CBD oil administration is a more common form of treatment in autism. Cannabis oil containing a high amount of CBD and minimal amounts of THC can be highly efficient for autistic kids. Apart from oil, cannabis extracts in tablets and edibles are also available for autistic children.

Here are the five ways cannabis can improve the lives of children through its treatment.

1.   Cannabis can improve seizures

Seizures are a significant problem associated with autism. Nearly 1 out of 4 patients suffer from seizures in autism. Seizures are neurological abnormalities with high mortality and morbidity in autism patients. The best jack herer feminized seeds of 2020 can help treat seizures. According to a 2019 study, cannabis completely cured a few patients, and there was a 50 percent reduction of seizures in most patients.

2.   Cannabis can treat ADHD

Autistic children can suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), like difficulty in settling down, inability to focus on things, and impulsivity. Cannabis has shown the most promising effect on treating ADHD. The same 2019 study shows that after using medical marijuana, almost 80 percent of patients have reported substantial improvement in ADHD, seizures, and sleep disorders, which are interrelated problems. 

3.   Cannabis can promote a proper sleep cycle

Sleep disorder is prevalent in children with autism. A report reveals that 80 percent of autistic children from 2 to 5 years of age are more likely to have sleep issues. Anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory sensitivities, and gastrointestinal problems can be a few reasons for sleep deprivation in autistic children. Poor sleep cycle leads to poor social skills and enhanced repetitive behaviors. A study found that using cannabis as a treatment for autism has improved the sleep quality of children. Almost 24 percent of children reported having good sleep during cannabis seeds use, whereas the percentage was only 3 percent before the use of cannabis. 

4.   Cannabis might alleviate anxiety

According to data, almost 40 percent of children who have ASD have a high anxiety level. Lack of ability to communicate can elevate the anxiety level in autistic children. In some cases, the understanding and expression of self emotions may be difficult. Anxiety can sometimes show negative mood and disruptive behavior. Cannabis is a potent anxiolytic that can help in reducing anxiety and elevating the mood. The parents reported that during the usage of cannabis treatments, almost 63 percent of the children with autism show a positive attitude.

5.   Cannabis can improve the overall quality of life

With reduced anxiety, improved mood, and a good sleep cycle, cannabis can improve the quality of life of autistic children. According to a study, more than 30 percent of patients reported improvement in the quality of life. Forty percent of patients have become self-reliant, for instance, able to dress and take showers independently. And 90 percent of patients show improvement in restlessness. 

Conclusion

High quality Cannabis from reputed cannabis dispensary may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with autism, but it is not a miracle drug to treat it completely. Most of the benefits of cannabis are the anecdotal references given by parents of children who have autism.

Before administering cannabis treatments, parents should remember that cannabis reacts differently in each body. There may be significant, moderate, or no improvement at all. Many side-effects, including psychosis, irritability, aggression, etc., are also reported with doses involving higher levels of THC. Proper dosages and potency should also be taken into consideration as they can adversely affect the patients’ health and mental well-being.

Autism hits in the initial years of life. Children can show variable symptoms simultaneously. Therefore, it is recommended to take early and correct medical advice to improve the overall quality of life. Cannabis requires more clinical studies and may not be the first choice for doctors. But with its multiple benefits, it can be a natural, safer, and better alternative to other ASD medications and treatments.