CBD improves behavior of kids with autism — with new studies testing children as young as 5

Talk about a high-ly anticipated breakthrough. 

A new study from the University of São Paulo suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis extract could help improve behavior and ease common symptoms in children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“The global population prevalence of ASD diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective,” said lead researcher Dr. Lara Branco. “It is promising to see the effect of CBD cannabis extract on the study participants.”

ASD is a broad term that encompasses a range of developmental conditions marked by repetitive behaviors, trouble with communication and difficulty navigating social interactions. 

The number of autism diagnoses in the US has skyrocketed in recent years, increasing by a staggering 175% between 2011 and 2022, largely driven by a spike in cases among young people. 

Today, the CDC estimates about 1 in 36 US children are on the spectrum. Studies show that emotional and behavioral issues are more common in youth with autism compared to their neurotypical peers, significantly impacting both the child and their family’s quality of life.

“ASD can be extremely frustrating for all involved; parents of children and adolescents with the disorder, the treating clinicians and of course the children and adolescents themselves,” said Professor Geert Dom, president of the European Psychiatric Association.

“A large part of this frustration is down to finding a viable treatment option that works to reduce symptoms,” he noted. 

Enter CBD, a natural compound from the cannabis plant that’s been gaining attention for its potential health benefits. 

Unlike THC — the psychoactive compound that causes a “high” — CBD doesn’t have intoxicating effects. Across the country, all 50 states have laws legalizing it with varying degrees of restriction. 

While previous studies hinted at CBD’s potential for managing ASD symptoms, comprehensive research on its effectiveness and risks has been limited. 

To fill this gap, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of three clinical trials examining the use of CBD extracts in treating 276 participants aged 5 to 21 on the spectrum, 78% of whom were male.

The team found that CBD cannabis extract improved participants’ social responsiveness, reduced disruptive behaviors, eased anxiety and enhanced sleep quality.

Crucially, CBD didn’t cause more adverse events compared to a placebo, suggesting it has a “favorable safety profile.”

“These findings support the potential consideration of CBD cannabis extracts in ASD treatment plans,” the study authors said.

However, they pointed out several limitations in their meta-analysis, including the small number of studies and limited sample sizes. The researchers emphasized the need for larger, more robust trials to fully evaluate its safety and efficacy.

“It is with delight that we see the results of this meta-analysis,” Dom said. “We hope to see further research into this so we can move towards a solution to the unmet need within this community.”