PRIMARY STUDY

Effects of cannabidiol on brain excitation and inhibition systems; a randomised placebo-controlled single dose trial during magnetic resonance spectroscopy in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder

Key Findings:  The findings demostrate that CBD can ‘shift’ levels of Glx and GABA+. These metabolites contribute to the regulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in both the typical and the autistic brain. However, the study also demonstrated that the atypical (autistic) brain reacts differently to CBD challenge of GABA+. These findings that the GABAergic system is distinct in ASD, but can be shifted, is relevant both to an understanding of causal mechanisms and to the discovery of treatment targets in ASD.