Only 9 published RCTs exist testing CBD in neurodevelopmental disorders, with some positive signals but too inconsistent to guide clinical practice.
Parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions, developmental pediatricians.
Only 9 RCTs exist for CBD across all neurodevelopmental disorders
What the researchers found
Nine RCTs across ADHD, autism, intellectual disability, Tourette's, and complex motor disorders showed some positive signals but inconsistent results. Evidence is undetermined.
Why it matters
Clinical CBD use in neurodevelopmental disorders is expanding despite an alarmingly thin evidence base.
The numbers in context
9 RCTs total across 5 conditions. Inconsistent results. Could not perform meta-analysis.
How the study worked
Systematic review searching four databases with PROSPERO registration. Only RCTs included.
What this study cannot tell us
Only 9 RCTs. High heterogeneity. No meta-analysis possible.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review limited by very few available RCTs.
When this study was published
Published 2023.
The bigger picture
Patients and families are making decisions in an evidence vacuum. This is concerning for vulnerable populations.
Questions still open
- Which neurodevelopmental conditions are most likely to benefit?
- What doses should future trials prioritize?
Common questions
Does CBD work for ADHD or autism?
Is CBD safe for these conditions?
Read the original research
A systematic review of cannabidiol trials in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 230, 173607
Citation
Parrella, Nina-Francecsa; Hill, Aron Thomas; Enticott, Peter Gregory; Barhoun, Pamela; Bower, Isabella Simone; Ford, Talitha Caitlyn. (2023). A systematic review of cannabidiol trials in neurodevelopmental disorders.. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 230, 173607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173607
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