PRIMARY STUDY

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol-rich cannabis extract in children with autism spectrum disorder: randomized, double-blind and controlled placebo clinical trial

Key Findings:  Sixty children diagnosed with ASD and half of them received a CBD-rich cannabis extract while the other a placebo. Resulting data comparing both groups revealed that the CBD-rich cannabis extract improved social interaction, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, and in milder cases of ASD improved the ability to concentrate. Three of the participating pediatric patients experienced adverse effects i.e., dizziness, insomnia, colic and weight gain.

Type of Study:  Double Blind Clinical Trial

Study Sample Size:  60

Study Result:  Positive

Research Location(s):  Brazil

Year of Pub:  2020


Cannabinoids Studied:  Cannabidiol (CBD)

Phytocannabinoid Source:  Cannabis Flower derived

Chemotype:  Chemotype III

Route of Administration:  Oral (Ingestion)




Citation:  Silva EAD, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol-rich cannabis extract in children with autism spectrum disorder: randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2024; 46:e20210396. doi: 10.47626/2237-6089-2021-0396

Authors:  Silva EAD, Medeiros WMB, Santos JPMD, Sousa JMM, Costa FBD, Pontes KM, Borges TC, Espínola C, Andrade E Silva AH, Nunes ELG, Alves NT, Rosa MDD, Albuquerque KLGD