CBD-rich cannabis extract improved symptoms in most of 18 autism spectrum disorder patients

What the researchers found

Of 15 patients who adhered to treatment, 14 showed improvement in at least one of eight symptom categories. Nine of 10 non-epileptic patients improved 30%+ in at least one category. The strongest improvements were in seizures, ADHD, sleep disorders, and communication/social interaction deficits. Nine of 10 patients on other medications were able to reduce or withdraw them while maintaining improvements.

Why it matters

Autism spectrum disorder has limited pharmacological treatment options, and many existing medications have significant side effects. This is among the first published reports of CBD-rich extract specifically for autism symptoms in non-epileptic patients.

The numbers in context

18 patients enrolled, 15 completed (3 discontinued for adverse effects). 14/15 improved in at least one category. 9/10 non-epileptic patients improved 30%+ in at least one area. 4/10 non-epileptic patients improved 30%+ in four or more categories. 9/10 on other medications reduced or withdrew them. CBD:THC ratio 75:1.

How the study worked

Observational cohort of 18 autistic patients (10 non-epileptic, 5 epileptic, 3 discontinued) treated with compassionate-use standardized CBD-enriched cannabis extract (75:1 CBD:THC ratio) for 6-9 months, evaluating eight symptom categories.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample (18 patients). No control group or blinding. Observational design subject to placebo effect and reporting bias. Non-standardized outcome measures. Three patients discontinued due to adverse effects, representing 17% attrition.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary: small observational study with no control group, though the consistency of improvements across categories is notable.

When this study was published

Published in 2019.

The bigger picture

The overlap between autism and epilepsy has led researchers to explore anticonvulsant treatments for autism. These early results suggesting CBD-rich extracts may help non-epileptic ASD patients hint at shared biological mechanisms that extend beyond seizure control.

Questions still open

• Would these findings replicate in a randomized controlled trial? Which specific autism symptoms are most responsive to CBD? Is the 75:1 CBD:THC ratio optimal, or would different ratios work differently?

Common questions

Read the original research

Effects of CBD-Enriched Cannabis sativa Extract on Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms: An Observational Study of 18 Participants Undergoing Compassionate Use.

Frontiers in neurology, 10, 1145

Citation

Fleury-Teixeira, Paulo; Caixeta, Fabio Viegas; Ramires da Silva, Leandro Cruz; Brasil-Neto, Joaquim Pereira; Malcher-Lopes, Renato. (2019). Effects of CBD-Enriched Cannabis sativa Extract on Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms: An Observational Study of 18 Participants Undergoing Compassionate Use.. Frontiers in neurology, 10, 1145. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.01145

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