CBD-rich cannabis improved severe behavioral problems in 61% of children with autism
In a retrospective study of 60 children with autism and severe behavioral problems, CBD-rich cannabis treatment led to much-improved or very much improved behavioral outbreaks in 61% of patients, with mostly mild side effects.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Following CBD-rich cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were "much improved" or "very much improved" in 61% of 60 children with ASD and severe behavioral problems, as rated by caregivers on the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale. Adverse events included sleep disturbances (14%), irritability (9%), and loss of appetite (9%). One girl using higher-THC cannabis had a transient psychotic episode.
Key Numbers
60 children studied. Mean age 11.8 (range 5.0-17.5). 77% low functioning. 83% boys. 61% showed much or very much improved behavioral outbreaks. Adverse events: sleep disturbances 14%, irritability 9%, loss of appetite 9%. 1 case of transient serious psychosis (higher THC product).
How They Did This
Retrospective feasibility study assessing tolerability and efficacy of CBD-rich cannabis in 60 children with ASD and severe behavioral problems. Mean age 11.8 years, 77% low functioning, 83% boys. Efficacy measured using Caregiver Global Impression of Change scale.
Why This Research Matters
This was one of the first studies to specifically examine CBD-based cannabis treatment in children with autism, providing preliminary evidence of feasibility and potential benefit for severe behavioral problems that are often resistant to standard treatments.
The Bigger Picture
With very few evidence-based treatments for severe behavioral problems in autism, even preliminary data on CBD-based cannabis is significant. The 61% improvement rate, if replicated in controlled trials, would represent a meaningful therapeutic option for a population with limited alternatives.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Retrospective design with no control group or blinding. Caregiver-reported outcomes are subjective. CBD-rich cannabis composition varied. The psychotic episode in the higher-THC case raises safety questions about THC content in this population. Small sample without long-term follow-up.
Questions This Raises
- ?Will randomized controlled trials confirm this benefit?
- ?What is the optimal CBD:THC ratio for this population?
- ?What is the risk of psychosis with different formulations?
- ?Are there specific ASD behavioral profiles that respond best?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 61% improved
- Evidence Grade:
- Rated preliminary because this is a small retrospective study without a control group or blinding.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2019. Several controlled trials of CBD in ASD have been initiated since this feasibility study.
- Original Title:
- Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.
- Published In:
- Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 49(3), 1284-1288 (2019)
- Authors:
- Aran, Adi(5), Cassuto, Hanoch(3), Lubotzky, Asael, Wattad, Nadia, Hazan, Esther
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01916
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD help children with autism?
In this preliminary study of 60 children with severe behavioral problems, 61% showed significant improvement with CBD-rich cannabis. However, without a control group, the true effect size is uncertain.
Were there safety concerns?
Most side effects were mild (sleep disturbances in 14%, irritability in 9%). However, one child using a higher-THC product experienced a transient psychotic episode, highlighting the importance of CBD-dominant formulations in this population.
Is this enough evidence to try CBD for autism?
This was a feasibility study designed to determine whether controlled trials are warranted, not to provide definitive treatment guidance. The authors concluded that CBD-based cannabis trials in children with ASD are feasible.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01916APA
Aran, Adi; Cassuto, Hanoch; Lubotzky, Asael; Wattad, Nadia; Hazan, Esther. (2019). Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 49(3), 1284-1288. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3808-2
MLA
Aran, Adi, et al. "Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.." Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3808-2
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Aut..." RTHC-01916. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/aran-2019-brief-report-cannabidiolrich-cannabis
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.