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CBD may be the wonder drug families have been searching for to treat autism. Does it hold up to this standard? In this Psychiatric Times article, Mindpath Health’s, Rashmi Parmar, MD, explores cannabis as a possible treatment for autism.
Although the research on cannabis and autism spectrum disorders is in its infancy, there has been much controversy and confusion. Over the years, more patients and their families are seeking guidance from doctors on using cannabis to alleviate symptoms. From preventing seizures to calming aggression, a slow trickle of research is suggesting that cannabidiol (CBD), a component of cannabis, may be the wonder drug families have been searching for.
Cannabis: An overview
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Cannabaceae that includes three species: cannabis sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Marijuana specifically refers to the parts of the cannabis plant that contains high amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Medicinal use of the cannabis plant dates back thousands of years in cultures all around the world. Today, it is used to treat an assortment of conditions, such as arthritis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, seizures, and more.
Anandamide, also known as the “bliss molecule,” is currently one of the most-studied endocannabinoids. The cannabinoid receptor system has a very complex role in the body, which includes regulation of cell function, maintenance of homeostasis, motor coordination (basal ganglia), brain reward system, stress response, memory function (hippocampus), appetite, modulation of pain, and reduction of inflammation.
The challenges of autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by impairment in three major domains: social interaction, communication, and behavior patterns. It is called a spectrum disorder because it has a broad range of severity and symptom type. These usually appear within the first few years of life, although it can be diagnosed at any age.
The causes of autism are not clearly understood. It is a complex disorder thought to be multifactorial in origin, involving genetic and environmental factors. It is associated with several conditions, such as Fragile X, Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, phenylketonuria, and certain genetic conditions involving the deletion or duplication of chromosomes. Additionally, roughly 20% to 25% of individuals with autism are diagnosed with epilepsy at some point during their lives. Intellectual disability is also highly prevalent in autism, and there is a close association with seizure risk in autistic individuals.
Current research results
Research on cannabis’ impact on autism is still very much in its infancy, but there are several important studies to consider, with more on the way. In a 2018 Stanford University study, anandamide concentration was significantly lower in children with ASD as compared to controls. Research studies have suggested that anandamide produces effects similar to, but less intense than, those associated with THC. Because of this similarity, researchers theorize THC has therapeutic potential in the treatment of autism.
While interest grows in cannabis, the medical community is eager for more research on how it might affect autism. In the United States, tight controls and a lack of adequate funding limits how cannabis is studied.
Treading with caution
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry discourages the use of marijuana and cannabinoids in children with autism, a stance that has not changed despite the FDA’s approval to use cannabidiol to treat seizures. The American Academy of Pediatrics holds a similar stance, although it acknowledges it may provide an option for children with life-limiting or severely debilitating conditions when current therapies are inadequate.
As of today, we lack evidence-based recommendations to support CBD and cannabis use in children with autism. We lack guidelines on overall safety and efficacy, as well as factors like dosage, the required ratio of CBD to THC, symptoms that will likely respond, and the duration of treatment. We also lack guidance on how to discuss this sensitive topic with our patients, who may be asking for advice and are ready to pursue it on their own.
