Three young adult males with autism spectrum disorder developed mania or psychosis after consistent use of CBD and THC products, raising concerns about cannabis safety in this population.
Psychiatrists, ASD specialists, families considering cannabis for ASD symptoms, and autism researchers.
All three ASD patients developed mania or psychosis after consistent cannabis use
What the researchers found
All three patients had ASD and developed mania or psychotic symptoms after consistent cannabis use containing both CBD and THC. The cases raise concerns about the safety of cannabis in ASD, particularly given the active interest in cannabinoid treatments for behavioral symptoms in this population.
Why it matters
There is growing interest in using cannabis products for behavioral symptoms in ASD, but these cases suggest individuals with ASD may be vulnerable to serious psychiatric adverse effects.
The numbers in context
Three patients, all young adult males with ASD. Products contained both CBD and THC. All developed mania or psychosis requiring clinical attention.
How the study worked
Case series describing three young adult males with ASD who developed psychiatric emergencies after cannabis use. Clinical courses documented.
What this study cannot tell us
Only three cases. Cannot establish causation. No control for other factors. Pre-existing psychiatric vulnerability in ASD may be a confounder. Exact product compositions not fully detailed.
How to read the evidence
Small case series that cannot prove causation but raises important safety signals.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
The enthusiasm for cannabinoid treatments in ASD outpaces the evidence. These cases underscore the need for controlled trials before recommending cannabis to this potentially vulnerable population.
Questions still open
- Are individuals with ASD more susceptible to cannabis-induced psychosis? Is the risk from THC specifically, or could CBD also contribute in this population?
Common questions
Is cannabis safe for people with autism?
Should cannabis be used to treat autism symptoms?
Read the original research
Brief Report: Suspected Cannabis-Induced Mania and Psychosis in Young Adult Males with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 52(9), 4164-4171
Citation
Al-Soleiti, Majd; Balaj, Kayla; Thom, Robyn P; McDougle, Christopher J; Keary, Christopher J. (2022). Brief Report: Suspected Cannabis-Induced Mania and Psychosis in Young Adult Males with Autism Spectrum Disorder.. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 52(9), 4164-4171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05254-8
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