Systematic review found cannabis may help reduce several autism-related symptoms
A systematic review of 9 studies found cannabis products reduced hyperactivity, self-mutilation, anxiety, sleep problems, and irritability in people with autism, while improving cognition and social interaction.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across 9 studies, cannabis products reduced the number or intensity of multiple ASD symptoms including hyperactivity, self-mutilation, anger, sleep problems, anxiety, irritability, and depression. Improvements were also reported in cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, social interaction, and language.
Key Numbers
9 studies included. Improvements reported across multiple symptom domains. Most common adverse effects were sleep disorders, restlessness, nervousness, and appetite changes.
How They Did This
Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science with no language limits. Nine studies were selected and analyzed.
Why This Research Matters
Autism spectrum disorder has limited effective treatments for many of its associated symptoms. This review consolidates the growing evidence that cannabis-based products may offer relief for some of the most challenging aspects of ASD.
The Bigger Picture
While these results are promising, the review emphasizes that most studies were observational or open-label, and randomized controlled trials are needed before cannabis can be recommended as a standard treatment for ASD symptoms.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Only 9 studies met inclusion criteria. Most were observational with small samples. Different cannabis products, doses, and formulations were used across studies, making direct comparison difficult.
Questions This Raises
- ?Which specific cannabinoid ratios are most effective for different ASD symptoms?
- ?Are the benefits sustained long-term?
- ?Do children and adults with ASD respond differently to cannabis treatment?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Improvements reported across multiple symptom domains in all 9 studies
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: systematic review methodology, but limited by small number of mostly observational studies.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.
- Published In:
- Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy, 44, e20200149 (2022)
- Authors:
- Silva, Estácio Amaro da(2), Medeiros, Wandersonia Moreira Brito(2), Torro, Nelson, Sousa, João Marçal Medeiros de, Almeida, Igor Bronzeado Cahino Moura de, Costa, Filipe Barbosa da, Pontes, Katiúscia Moreira, Nunes, Eliane Lima Guerra, Rosa, Marine Diniz da, Albuquerque, Katy Lísias Gondim Dias de
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04221
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What symptoms improved most?
Studies reported improvements in hyperactivity, self-mutilation, anger episodes, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness, and depression. Cognitive, sensory, and social improvements were also noted.
Were there side effects?
Yes. The most common adverse effects were sleep disorders, restlessness, nervousness, and changes in appetite.
Is cannabis recommended for autism based on this review?
Not yet. The authors conclude cannabis has promising effects but emphasize that randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed before it can be recommended as a standard treatment.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04221APA
Silva, Estácio Amaro da; Medeiros, Wandersonia Moreira Brito; Torro, Nelson; Sousa, João Marçal Medeiros de; Almeida, Igor Bronzeado Cahino Moura de; Costa, Filipe Barbosa da; Pontes, Katiúscia Moreira; Nunes, Eliane Lima Guerra; Rosa, Marine Diniz da; Albuquerque, Katy Lísias Gondim Dias de. (2022). Cannabis and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.. Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy, 44, e20200149. https://doi.org/10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0149
MLA
Silva, Estácio Amaro da, et al. "Cannabis and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.." Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy, 2022. https://doi.org/10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0149
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum disorder: a ..." RTHC-04221. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/silva-2022-cannabis-and-cannabinoid-use
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.