The potential of cannabis in autistic children – study

An Israeli study has highlighted the potential benefits of full extract cannabis in autistic children.

The results of the clinical trial, published in the journal Molecular Autism, found that whole-plant cannabis extracts were associated with improved outcomes in autistic patients. 

A team of Israeli researchers assessed the safety and efficacy of a pair of CBD-dominant whole-plant cannabis extracts in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 150 young people – with a mean average of 11.8-years-old – with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Participants received both extracts and placebo at different times during the course of the trial. 

The young people were given either placebo or cannabinoids for 12 weeks (testing efficacy) followed by a  four week washout and predetermined cross-over for another 12 weeks to further assess tolerability. 

Registered primary efficacy outcome measures were improvement in behavioural problems (differences between whole-plant extract and placebo) on the Home Situation Questionnaire-ASD and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale with disruptive behaviour anchor points (CGI-I). 

The findings suggest that oral administration of plant-derived cannabis extracts is both well-tolerated and reduces disruptive behaviours in children with ASD.

Investigators reported “no treatment-related severe or serious adverse events” resulting from cannabis therapy. 

Cannabinoid treatment was associated with reductions in disruptive behaviours compared to placebo. 

Researchers stated: “Disruptive behaviour on the CGI-I [Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale] was either much or very much improved in 49 percent [of subjects taking] whole-plant extract versus 21 percent on placebo. Median SRS [Social Responsiveness Scale] Total Score (secondary-outcome) improved by 14.9 [points] on whole-plant extract versus 3.6 points after placebo.”

Cannabis extracts were also associated with a reduction in body mass index among overweight patients.

Authors concluded: “In this study, we have demonstrated for the first time in a placebo-controlled trial that cannabinoid treatment has the potential to decrease disruptive behaviours associated with ASD, with acceptable tolerability,” as quoted by NORML.

“This is specifically important for the many individuals with ASD who are overweight, as cannabinoid treatment was associated with net weight-loss in contrast to the substantial weight gain usually produced by antipsychotics. … These data suggest that cannabinoids should be further investigated in ASD.”

The study is consistent with previous trials which suggest cannabis based medicines may be effective in easing symptoms of autism, such as hyperactivity, seizures, anxiety, and rage attacks.

Last year US biotech startup Cannformatics announced the first study of its kind, exploring cannabis-responsive biomarkers in autistic children.

Its aim is to create a trusted resource for parents and health care professionals to help them find the most effective way to use cannabis to improve the health and quality of life of patients.