It’s already used to treat epilepsy in some children — and now researchers are examining whether a marijuana compound could also be helpful for those with autism.

The University of California San Diego announced in a news release that it will be conducting a test on children with “severe” autism to see if cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, can help treat some of their symptoms.

The research, which will involve 30 children, was made possible thanks to a $4.7 million donation from the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation in Lindon, Utah, according to The San Diego Tribune. The goal is to see if CBD can lessen seizures, anxiety and self-harming.

Igor Grant, professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego’s Center for Medical Cannabis Research, said it’s important to give parents a definitive answer as to whether CBD could improve the quality of their kids’ lives.

“The more severe manifestations of autism are difficult to treat, causing parents to look for non-traditional remedies,” he said. “There are unconfirmed reports that cannabidiol could be helpful, but there are no careful studies to document either its benefits or its safety.

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