Cannabis and autism – two words you might not often see together, but it’s still a conversation worth having. Since we’ve here to chat about all thing’s cannabinoids, science, and health, we thought it was about time we talk about it.   

Before we dive in, let’s be clear: We’re not suggesting that autism needs to be “fixed” or “cured” — because it doesn’t. While we recognize that different people like to refer to themselves in different ways, this is one of the reasons why we chose to adopt person-first language for this article. Our aim here is simple: to explore how cannabinoids may support some of the more challenging experiences that can come with autism, like sleep difficulties, agitation, or restlessness. Our goal is always to help empower folks with knowledge.  Cannabis will not “cure” autism, autism does not need to be “cured,” and we love and support all our neurodivergent friends, family, and coworkers.  

We also aren’t doctors, health authorities, or in any way equipped to make recommendations for you or your family. This article is aimed at adults who want to educate themselves about autism and cannabis use. Please talk to your doctor and refer to the proper health authorities, especially if you’re a parent looking for information on supporting your children.  

Autism: A Quick Summary 

For the purposes of this post, we thought it might be a good idea to start with some of the basic information about autism. This way, we can create a bit of a foundation and baseline of understanding for our discussions moving forward. If you’re looking for more in-depth information, however, make sure you refer to your doctor and other relevant health authorities.  

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD is just that – a spectrum. That means that autistic individuals may have very different traits, needs, and challenges. Generally, people begin to exhibit signs of autism from an early age, as young as 2 years old, but often it isn’t diagnosed until later in life. The World Health Organization states that around 1 in 100 children have ASD but recognize that some studies have shown much higher numbers. Throughout the research we did for this article, most sources have very different statistics from each other, which can make actual numbers challenging to assess.  

According to the Government of Canada website, symptoms of ASD may include: “communicating and connecting with people differently, having sensory processing differences,” and an “intense focus on certain interests and activities.” As of right now, what causes ASD isn’t known, but we’re leaning towards a mix of environmental and genetic factors. As a note, we do know that vaccines don’t cause ASD, despite recent debates on the topic.  

Cannabis, ASD, and the ECS 

So far, a lot of the research we have does seem promising. For example, a variety of observational studies have found that cannabis use (CBD and THC), appears to be effective at helping to manage some symptoms of ASD, all while minimizing the harmful or adverse side effects that might come with other medications.  

How might cannabis help? It could have something to do with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a series of receptors and neurotransmitters within our bodies that help maintain and support our body’s balance. The ECS helps maintain our sleep patterns, appetite, mood, and lots more. Interestingly enough, it appears as though ASD is associated with ECS dysregulation, including challenges with CB1 receptors and neurotransmitters such as anandamide and oxytocin. Cannabis directly interacts with our ECS, which is one reason why it may be able to help alleviate ASD symptoms. For example, this study talks about the link between ASD and neuroinflammation, and how, through regulating the ECS, CBD may be able to act as an anti-inflammatory as well.  

All this is to say, research into ASD, the ECS, and how cannabis may help support the ECS to help manage symptoms is a large, multifaceted topic.  

State of the Science 

As we mentioned previously, a lot of the research we have into cannabis and ASD seems promising. In a quick summary of the findings, CBD and THC may help with some ASD symptoms like cognitive challenges, sleep difficulties, irritability, and hyperactivity. Notable, negative side-effects included sleep challenges, nervousness, appetite changes, and restlessness. Additionally, this study concluded that high-CBD formulations may have potential to help with some of the social and communication symptoms of ASD.  

There’s also been some research comparing the efficiency of ASD medication and CBD. For example, this study found that ASD medication varies in usefulness and often comes with undesirable side effects that can prevent people from continuing its use. CBD, on the other hand, appears to be fairly well tolerated and without similar side-effects, though the study also reiterates that long-term effects are still unclear. As a note, the medication we currently have for ASD targets comorbid symptoms (sleeplessness, etc) and doesn’t effect core symptoms.   

Most of the studies listed above discuss general cannabinoid use. Unlike a lot of cannabis research, it appears that studies around ASD focus on both CBD and THC. This is interesting, because we can start to develop a stronger research base for things like the entourage effect and how CBD and THC interact with each other. For example, this study found that a ratio of predominantly CBD and a little THC (20:1) was both well tolerate and appeared to be largely effective.  

From the research we’ve done, there’s been little talk about minor cannabinoids, such as CBDV and CBDA, but the vast majority of research just discusses CBD and THC.  

This study, however, takes a different approach, calling for caution. It discusses the link found  between cannabis use (particularly THC) and the development of psychosis or schizophrenia later in life. The authors express concern around cannabis use in ASD individuals, who may be at greater risk for developing psychosis and schizophrenia. They also discuss the lack of uniform research: things like dose, cannabinoid profile, and a variation in products use in studies creates a lack of clarity around what may be useful and what isn’t when it comes to cannabis. Other reviews reiterate the lack of sufficient research to say anything for certain yet. Additionally, this study seemed to find that CBD-rich formulas worked no better than a placebo to help support sleep in ASD folks. 

Medication Interactions 

It’s important to keep in mind that CBD can interact with certain medications and substances. Put simply, CBD can change the way certain medications are metabolized by our system. Essentially, CBD has been found to either increase the amount of medication remaining in your body, or diminish it. Either this means that medication isn’t there when you need it to be, or you’re possibly risking an overdose. While being on the lookout for grapefruit warnings is a good start, it’s always best to check in with your doctor and local health authorities in order to ensure you’re being as safe as possible. 

Since CBD and medication interaction is a much larger topic, we’ve spoken about it in more detail here. 

TL;DR  

While the initial research seems promising, like most things cannabis, we have a ways to go before we can say anything for certain yet. Thankfully, more research is on the way. Until then, its important to stay informed and talk to your doctor or health care provider if you’re considering trying cannabis to help manage ASD symptoms for either yourself or anyone in your family.