People with autism experience the world differently. Many may find it challenging to communicate with other people, engage in repetitive behaviours, get overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises, and can sometimes feel anxious or stressed. It isn’t an illness, and there’s no cure. Treatments simply help ease certain symptoms when necessary. But is medical cannabis safe for autism?
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. Below we’ll be exploring whether or not there are any benefits of medical cannabis for autism treatment, as well as THC vs CBD for autism treatment.
How Cannabis & CBD Works for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Both compounds work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis might work so positively on so many different conditions, including autism. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like THC and CBD, it’s possible to interact with these receptors.
Benefits of Cannabis for Autism
Medical cannabis, including cannabis oil for autism, could potentially:
- Improve behaviours sometimes associated with autism, for example irritability.
- Enhance social interactions
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Support sleep issues
This study on 188 autistic people found cannabis had the potential to be well tolerated, safe, and effective for symptom relief.
This study reviewed how CBD could have a therapeutic role in mental health conditions, and found it could potentially be helpful in alleviating symptoms of autism.
If we’re looking at THC and CBD for anxiety in autism, a 2020 study found both THC and CBD-dominant cannabis strains reduced anxiety.
Another one of the potential benefits of CBD for autism, is that it may alleviate feelings of stress, as could low doses of THC.
CBD vs THC for Autism: Which Works Better?
More research is needed to answer this question. But there is one thing we do know: both CBD and THC can play a lead role in certain health conditions, and can sometimes work better together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
If you’re thinking of purchasing CBD oil for autism, or any other CBD product that contains less than 1mg of THC per packet or container, there’s no need for a prescription. However, keep in mind that CBD oil purchased over the counter isn’t strictly monitored. That’s why it may be better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, where you can find medication that contains both CBD and THC. It’s monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms.
An alternative would be to buy CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. You don’t need a prescription, but you can still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
So, whilst there is evidence to support THC or CBD and autism treatment, it’s clear a lot more research is needed.
Cannabis Products for Autism: What to Know
Below are some different products and ways to consume medical cannabis.
- Vaporisers: This method of consumption provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain. However, remember that smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD & THC Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.
Broad-spectrum vs full-spectrum vs isolate CBD for autism
Another thing you may want to look at is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate. Put simply, the difference between these three types of CBD is the compounds they contain.
If any CBD product features a range of things extracted from a cannabis plant – like terpenes (the part of any plant that produces its smell), essential oils and up to 1mg of THC per packet or container – it is classed as full-spectrum.
Broad spectrum is similar, in that it can contain a wide range of cannabis plant compounds, yet it has no more than a trace amount of THC.
Lastly, isolate is pretty much as it sounds: pure CBD or THC with no other compounds. CBD isolate is typically derived from hemp plants, which have very low THC content, while THC isolate is extracted from cannabis plants with higher THC levels, ensuring that only the THC remains.
We go into much more detail on the above here.
How to Choose the Right Product
When it comes to medical cannabis, the way you consume and the best CBD dosage for autism is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll take your symptoms and condition into account, but they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with - whether that’s THC or CBD for autism symptoms. Remember, you may not choose the right form at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences.
Safety, Risks, and Side Effects
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different. However, serious side effects are uncommon and can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method (for example oil, vaporiser, edible), and THC and CBD content.
Don’t worry too much, and if you’re ever concerned, speak to your clinician. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. But, some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis due to the dosage guidance of a clinician.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to speak to your Doctor or clinician.
UK Laws on Medical Cannabis for Autism: What You Need to Know
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018. But you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism, and it’ll need to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. And just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
Cannabis For Autism UK Legal Status
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018, but it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. The easiest way to get a prescription is through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf.
We’ll need to see evidence of your diagnosis and evidence you’ve been offered at least two conventional treatments. You also can’t be pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia.
Although symptoms of autism usually present between 12 and 24 months, we won’t prescribe to anyone under the age of 18.
Summary
So does cannabis help with autism? Whilst there are some cannabis success stories for ASD, a lot more research is needed. It’s important to take into account the risks, and side effects if it’s something you yourself are considering. The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf.
Our mission is to move medical cannabis into the mainstream. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.