Cannabis and autism

Earlier this year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration proposed a move to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. The proposal signals a significant shift in how the federal government views the substance and could have major implications for the autism and autistic communities.  

Autism and cannabis to manage

National data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that marijuana use is on the rise; In 2022, 15% of people in the U.S. over age 12 used marijuana monthly, nearly double the rate in 2014 (8.4%). Usage is also increasing in our community: many autistic individuals and their families use cannabis products for a variety of reasons. These include managing severe and distressing behaviors, addressing appetite issues and reducing stress, among others.   

Recent research has begun to explore the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis in people on the spectrum—with promising results. Preliminary research suggests that cannabis may offer relief for certain conditions associated with autism, such as severe behaviors, irritability and anxiety.  

CBD for autism

Some studies have focused on the use of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. For example, a clinical trial published in the journal Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy reported improvements in social interaction, anxiety, agitation, appetite and concentration in children with autism who were treated with CBD extract.  

Cannabis and autism studies

While early research indicates potential benefits of cannabis use in our community, larger, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to understand these benefits as well as the safety concerns associated with the use of this substance.  

Research on the general population has shown that cannabis use, particularly in early adolescence, can be linked to an increased risk of mental health issues later in life. However, the long-term effects of pervasive cannabis use on the developing brain are not yet fully understood.  

 It is also important to consider that autistic people’s reactions to cannabis can vary widely. While some may experience relief, others may experience increased agitation, risk of psychosis, sleepiness, decreased appetite and irritability. These varied responses highlight the need for personalized approaches to cannabis use in autistic people, which can only be achieved through further research.  

Going forward, several critical questions about cannabis use in autism include understanding the long-term effects, especially for young users, and designing clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety.  

With the anticipated reclassification of marijuana and loosening of regulatory barriers around this research, we hope to see more well-designed studies that can answer these crucial questions and lead to the development of evidence-based guidelines for cannabis use in autism.  

 Until more definitive research is available, we strongly advise consulting with a healthcare provider before considering cannabis as a treatment option for yourself or your loved ones.  

Use the Autism Speaks resource guide to find healthcare providers in your area.