CBD-rich cannabis improved severe behavioral problems in 61% of children with autism

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Rated preliminary because this is a small retrospective study without a control group or blinding.

When this study was published

Published in 2019. Several controlled trials of CBD in ASD have been initiated since this feasibility study.

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.

Questions still open

• 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?

Common questions

Read the original research

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

Citation

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

Explore the wider topic

• CBD Oil Quality Guide: How to Avoid Snake Oil
• Anxiety After Quitting Weed: When to Consider Medication
• Cannabis for Chemotherapy Nausea: What the Evidence Actually Shows
• Cannabis for Chronic Pain: What the Research Actually Supports
• Cannabis and Epilepsy: The Epidiolex Story and What It Means
• Does CBD Actually Work for Anxiety? What the Evidence Shows
• Does CBD Help with Weed Withdrawal? What Studies Show
• CBD vs THC: The Differences That Actually Matter
• The Proven Medical Benefits of Cannabis: What Research Supports
• Quitting Weed Before Surgery
• Weed and Medications: What Changes When You Quit
• Quitting Weed During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
• Quitting Weed While Pregnant: What You Need to Know
• Cannabis and Older Adults: Risks Seniors Should Know
• Cannabis and Breastfeeding: THC in Breast Milk