How Medical Marijuana Helps With Autism

Are autism and medical marijuana a good match? 

1 in 45 adults and 1 in 36 children in the US have autism. 

With higher rates of diagnosis, more people are searching for alternative therapies to treat their autism symptoms. 

Emerging research suggests that medical cannabis could be a breakthrough in treatment. 

Here’s what you need to know about marijuana and its potential in managing autism symptoms. 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the term experts use to describe a broad range of conditions that affect social skills, repetitive behaviors, nonverbal communication, and speech. Autism manifests differently in each individual. 

What level of autism a person has is related to the amount of support they require to live. The DSM-5-TR categorizes autism in three levels. 

• Level 1: Some Support 
• Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support 
• Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support 

Symptoms of ASD 

While symptoms of autism look different in adults than in children, there are two common themes: 

• Challenges with social communication and interaction skills 
• Restricted repetitive behaviors 

However, not all people with autism develop these symptoms in the same way, but doctors look for a variation of them when diagnosing patients. 

You can break these symptoms down in a few ways for adults and children. Individuals with autism struggle with the following. 

Communication 

• Making eye contact 
• Regulating their tone of voice (speaking too quietly or loudly) 
• Reading body language, facial expressions, or gestures 

Social Interactions 

• Sharing interests and emotions 
• Understanding what others are feeling or thinking 
• Starting and taking turns in conversations 

Developing Relationships & Keeping Them 

• Making friends 
• Expressing emotions and comforting others 
• Feeling overwhelmed in social situations 
• Understanding boundaries and personal space 

Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors 

• Lining Up Toys in a Row 
• Stimming or making the same body movements over and over (hand flapping, rocking back and forth, etc.) 
• Imitating other people’s speech patterns 
• Rigidity in routine 
• Sensory difficulties, such as with lights or noises 
• Lack of sensitivity to pain or temperature 

Not everyone who has ASD needs treatment, but for those who do, medical cannabis can offer some relief of symptoms. Because many of these symptoms lead to low mood, anxiety, and restlessness, 

Types of Autism 

Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism) 

Autistic Disorder is what most people think of when they hear the word “autism.” Severe communication challenges, cognitive delays, and repetitive behaviors are common characteristics. Classic autism is typically on display in early childhood. 

Asperger’s Syndrome 

Many people with Asperger’s have above-average intelligence but struggle with social interaction and have restricted interests. They struggle with non-verbal cues and have limited empathy, with high intellectual ability and normal speech development. 

Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD-NOS) 

Referred to as “atypical autism,” this is for individuals who don’t quite fit the classic autism or Asperger’s syndrome symptoms but still meet several autistic traits. They have milder symptoms but struggle to a varying degree with communication, social skills, and behaviors. 

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) 

CDD is the rarest form of autism. Children with CDD develop normally for the first few years of life and then experience significant regression in their skills. Their motor skills, language, and social functioning reverse after age 3 or 4. 

Current Autism Treatments 

There is no drug or specific treatment for autism. There are several therapies doctors recommend to help alleviate low mood and emotional regulation issues caused by autism, however. These include nutritional therapy, behavioral management therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and social skills training. 

But what about autism and medical cannabis? How could it help individuals with autism live happier, more fulfilling lives? 

What You Need to Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder & Medical Marijuana 

Autism and medical marijuana could be a match made in heaven. Recently, CBD has been approved for rare forms of epilepsy, giving many who have loved ones with autism or struggle with it themselves a reason to look more closely at the compound. 

It’s important to recognize that cannabis is not a cure-all. It offers many benefits, but much is still unknown about its use as a treatment for autism. 

Autism and Medical Cannabis 

There are hundreds of clinical trials studying the effects of medical cannabis on autism, but one study had particularly profound results. 

The clinical trial was published in the journal Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, and it reported significant improvements in social interaction, anxiety, appetite, agitation, and concentration in children treated with cannabidiol (CBD) extract. 

The study concluded that CBD-rich cannabis improved the diagnostic criteria for ASD, namely, social interaction. It also improved or reduced other issues that co-exist with ASD, such as anxiety. 

Other symptoms that CBD can potentially reduce in individuals with autism include: 

• Repetitive behaviors 
• Improved sleep patterns 
• Pain management 
• Aggression 

Best Cannabis Strains for Autism 

The best strains for cannabis are CBD-dominant strains. Cannabis has two popular variants, Indica and Sativa, but the difference between the two often boils down to the CBD and THC densities. Let’s take a look at a few cannabis strains to consider if you’re treating adult autism and qualify for a medical marijuana card. 

Charlotte’s Web—Best for preventing seizures and reducing anxiety. 

This strain of cannabis is known for its high CBD content and low THC concentration. It was designed to prevent seizures, which is a common co-occurring issue with autism. 

Ringo’s Gift—Best for anxiety and full-body relaxation. 

Another strain high in CBD, Ringo’s Gift, is a one-to-one strain, meaning it has equal parts CBD and THC. Named after the late great cannabis activist Lawerance Ringo, this strain offers a mellow, cerebral high along with a soothing full-body relaxation experience, minus the couch lock. 

Northern Lights—Best for sleep and pain problems. 

Northern Lights has the solution for full-body symptom relief. Individuals with autism who experience higher levels of sleep issues and pain should enjoy this strain. It has a higher ratio of THC than other strains, so proceed with caution. The couchlock effect is on full display with this strain. 

Blue Dream—Best for improving mood and reducing pain. 

As a Sativa-dominant strain, Blue Dream has high levels of THC and is excellent for pain. Its energizing effects positively stimulate the mind while reducing low mood. Adults who are comfortable with the high caused by THC will enjoy this strain. 

ACDC—Best for reducing anxiety without the high. 

ACDC has low THC levels and higher CBD levels, making it ideal for anxiety symptoms. Individuals who have trouble with anxiety will find ACDC is a perfect match. Symptom relief without the “high” is in store for people who consume this cannabis strain. 

Individual Differences May Vary 

Every individual responds differently to cannabis. What works for one may not work for another. It’s important to experiment to find out what medical cannabis strain works best for your autism symptoms. Start low and go slow to find out what works. 

Get Approved for Medical Marijuana & Get Support for Your Autism Symptoms 

If medical marijuana is legal in your state, and you have autism, you could qualify for a medical marijuana card. Once you’re approved, you can get access to the full scope of medical cannabis strains available in your state. 

At least nine states approve of the use of cannabis to treat autism symptoms, including Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Utah. 

If you’re interested in trying medical cannabis for Autism, we can help. You can get your cannabis card with us quickly and easily. Schedule a telehealth appointment to get a certified doctor to approve you for medical cannabis. Get started today!