A review of available evidence suggests CBD is a candidate for treating core symptoms and co-morbidities of autism spectrum disorder, but there are currently no convincing preclinical or clinical data showing efficacy and safety.
Parents of children with ASD, clinicians asked about CBD for autism, and researchers designing ASD treatment trials.
No convincing data for CBD efficacy in ASD at time of review
What the researchers found
ASD has no effective treatment for core symptoms. CBD has been proposed based on its interactions with the endocannabinoid system, but the review found no convincing preclinical or clinical evidence of efficacy and safety in ASD patients at the time of writing.
Why it matters
Many parents of children with ASD are turning to CBD products. This review provides a reality check: while the theoretical basis is interesting, the actual evidence supporting CBD for ASD is extremely limited.
The numbers in context
No convincing preclinical or clinical data showing efficacy or safety at the time of review.
How the study worked
Narrative review of available preclinical and clinical data on medical cannabis and CBD for ASD patients.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review with limited primary data to draw from. The field was in very early stages at time of publication.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: narrative review noting the absence of rigorous evidence.
When this study was published
Published in 2019.
The bigger picture
The endocannabinoid system plays roles in social behavior, anxiety, and neurodevelopment, all relevant to ASD. But the jump from biological plausibility to proven treatment requires rigorous clinical trials that have not yet been completed.
Questions still open
- Will ongoing clinical trials of CBD in ASD show benefit? Which ASD symptoms are most likely to respond to CBD? What doses and formulations should be tested?
Common questions
Should parents give CBD to children with autism?
Why is the endocannabinoid system relevant to autism?
Read the original research
Cannabidiol as a suggested candidate for treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, 89, 90-96
Citation
Poleg, Shani; Golubchik, Pavel; Offen, Daniel; Weizman, Abraham. (2019). Cannabidiol as a suggested candidate for treatment of autism spectrum disorder.. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, 89, 90-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.08.030
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