An open-label study of 53 children with autism found CBD-rich cannabis oil significantly improved hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, and emotional regulation over 3-6 months — the first study using teacher-based assessments.
Parents of children with autism and ADHD, pediatric neurologists, special educators, and autism researchers.
What the researchers found
Significant improvements were observed in anxiety-shyness, perfectionism, ADHD index, emotional lability, and hyperactivity-impulsivity (all p<0.001). Additional trends toward improvement in oppositional behavior, cognitive inattention, hyperactivity, and DSM-IV inattention scores. Higher CBD blood levels predicted greater emotional lability improvement.
Why it matters
Children with autism who also have ADHD symptoms often don't respond well to standard medications. This is the first study to use teacher assessments (more objective than parent reports) and found significant improvements across multiple behavioral domains.
The numbers in context
109 recruited, 53 teacher-assessed. Significant improvement (p<0.001): anxiety-shyness, perfectionism, ADHD index, emotional lability, hyperactivity-impulsivity. Near-significant: oppositional behavior (p=.009), cognitive inattention (p=.009), hyperactivity (p=.006). Higher CBD blood levels predicted emotional lability improvement.
How the study worked
Prospective, single-arm, open-label study at one center. 109 children/young adults with ASD and ADHD symptoms recruited (2019-2021); 53 assessed by teachers using the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale before and after 3-6 months of CBD-rich cannabis oil. Blood samples measured cannabinoid levels.
What this study cannot tell us
Open-label design (no placebo control — improvements could be placebo effect or natural development). Single center. Nearly half of recruited participants lacked teacher assessments. No control group. Cannabinoid dose-response was mostly non-significant.
How to read the evidence
Open-label study without placebo control — results are promising but cannot distinguish treatment effects from placebo or natural development.
When this study was published
Published in 2026, using data collected 2019-2021, addressing a growing area of parental and clinical interest.
The bigger picture
Autism with ADHD features is a common combination that challenges conventional treatment. CBD's apparent broad-spectrum behavioral improvement — without the side effects common to stimulant medications — makes it an intriguing candidate, though rigorous controlled trials are essential.
Questions still open
- Would these improvements hold up in a placebo-controlled trial? What is the optimal CBD dose for ADHD symptoms in autism? Do improvements persist long-term or require ongoing treatment?
Common questions
Can CBD help with ADHD symptoms in autistic children?
Is CBD safe for children with autism?
Read the original research
CBD-Rich Cannabis Therapy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder May Improve Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: An Open-Label Study.
Current neuropharmacology
Citation
Dana, Barchel; Elkana, Kohn; Ariela, Hazan; Matitiahu, Berkovitch; Ilia, Babarashvili; Eli, Heyman; Inbar, Hartmann; Mirit, Lezinger; Danel, Waissengreen; David, Meiri; Liron, Sulimani; Orit, Stolar. (2026). CBD-Rich Cannabis Therapy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder May Improve Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: An Open-Label Study.. Current neuropharmacology. https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X390368251014072051
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