Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders Research Dashboard
State of the Science
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| Overall Positive Results: | 74% |
| Positive Clinical Results: | 69% |
Studies by Country of Researcher
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Studies by Chemotype (THC:CBD Ratio)
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Constituents with Clinical Evidence for Treating Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
ECS with Positive Clinical Studies
- Cannabidiol (CBD) 10 Studies
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 6 Studies
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV) 1 Study
- Pharma THC:CBD 1 Study
Synopsis of Cannabis Research for Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Over the past ten years, the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in cases of autism and pervasive developmental disorders has been directly examined by several published pre-clinical and clinical trials.
Data reveals that:
- Blood levels of endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) are lower in children with autism
- ECS-based modulation of the monoaminergic system and oxytocin systems might offer novel approaches to treatment
- ECS-based modulation of neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and cognitive function (e.g., memory) suggests a potential therapeutic role.
- Cannabis-based therapeutics appear to be well-tolerated, safe, and effective options to relieve symptoms associated with the condition.
- Oral CBD was mainly able to reduce multiple symptoms such as self-injury, or sleep, thus improving the quality of life for hyperactivity, the caretakers, and the patients.
Last reviewed by Dr. Abraham Benavides, M.D., 12/28/2022
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62 PRIMARY STUDIES | 102 TOTAL STUDIES
Autism and associated disorders: cannabis as a potential therapy
Medicinal cannabis in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review
Clinical Data on Canabinoids: Translational Research in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Cannabidiol for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: hope or hype?
The Autism–Psychosis Continuum Conundrum: Exploring the Role of the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabis Use in Autism: Reasons for Concern about Risk for Psychosis
A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Cannabinoid Treatment for Disruptive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effects on Sleep Parameters as Measured by the CSHQ
Children and adolescents with ASD treated with CBD-rich cannabis exhibit significant improvements particularly in social symptoms: an open label study
Deficiency of autism-related Scn2a gene in mice disrupts sleep patterns and circadian rhythms
Implications of the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic action of cannabinoids in autism spectrum disorder: A literature review
Terpene-Enriched CBD oil for treating autism-derived symptoms unresponsive to pure CBD: Case report
Clinical outcome analysis of patients with autism spectrum disorder: analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry
Cannabidiol in Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study
Cannabinoid treatment for autism: a proof-of-concept randomized trial
Healing autism spectrum disorder with cannabinoids: a neuroinflammatory story
Potential of cannabinoids as treatments for autism spectrum disorders
Pharmacological inhibition of the primary endocannabinoid producing enzyme, DGL-α, induces autism spectrum disorder-like and co-morbid phenotypes in adult C57BL/J mice
Alterations of the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential in autism spectrum disorder
Cannabis and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Symptoms, adverse events, and outcomes in the use of medicinal cannabis in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review protocol
CBD-enriched cannabis for autism spectrum disorder: an experience of a single center in Turkey and reviews of the literature
Brief Report: Suspected Cannabis-Induced Mania and Psychosis in Young Adult Males with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Endocannabinoid markers in autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review of human studies
Recent Updates in Psychopharmacology for the Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared with Commonly Used Medications
Therapeutic potential of cannabidivarin for epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder
Modulation of striatal functional connectivity differences in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder in a single-dose randomized trial of cannabidivarin
The Potential of Salivary Lipid-Based Cannabis-Responsive Biomarkers to Evaluate Medical Cannabis Treatment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Palmitoylethanolamide and Its Biobehavioral Correlates in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Evidence
Peri-Pregnancy Cannabis Use and Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development
Cannabis and cannabidiol use among autistic and non-autistic adults in the UK: a propensity score-matched analysis
Perinatal Cannabis Exposures and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Behavioral aspects and neurobiological properties underlying medical cannabis treatment in Shank3 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder
Cannabinoids for People with ASD: A Systematic Review of Published and Ongoing Studies
A pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using cannabinoid extracts as complementary therapy: a case report
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
Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study
Cannabis use is associated with potentially heritable widespread changes in autism candidate gene DLGAP2 DNA methylation in sperm
The effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on low-frequency activity and functional connectivity in the brain of adults with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
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
Effects of CBD-Enriched Cannabis sativa Extract on Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms: An Observational Study of 18 Participants Undergoing Compassionate Use
Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities
Cannabidiol as a suggested candidate for treatment of autism spectrum disorder
Endocannabinoid System Dysregulation from Acetaminophen Use May Lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder: Could Cannabinoid Treatment Be Efficacious?
Is Cannabidiol During Neurodevelopment a Promising Therapy for Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Effects of cannabidivarin (CBDV) on brain excitation and inhibition systems in adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a single dose trial during magnetic resonance spectroscopy
The Endocannabinoid System as a Window Into Microglial Biology and Its Relationship to Autism
Lower circulating endocannabinoid levels in children with autism spectrum disorder
Plasma anandamide concentrations are lower in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Role of the endocannabinoid system in neurological disorders.
Real life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy.
Palmitoylethanolamide as adjunctive therapy for autism: Efficacy and safety results from a randomized controlled trial
Palmitoylethanolamide counteracts autistic-like behaviours in BTBR T+tf/J mice: Contribution of central and peripheral mechanisms
Endocannabinod Signal Dysregulation In Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Correlation Link Between Inflammatory State And Neuro-Immune Alterations
Role of Endocannabinoids on Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevention.
Targeting anandamide metabolism rescues core and associated autistic-like symptoms in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid
Enhancement of Anandamide-Mediated Endocannabinoid Signaling Corrects Autism-Related Social Impairment
Beneficial Effects of Co-Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide/Luteolin in a Mouse Model of Autism and in a Case Report of Autism
Gluten and casein supplementation does not increase symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder
Would some cannabinoids ameliorate symptoms of autism?
Consequences Of Cannabinoid And Monoaminergic System Disruption In A Mouse Model Of Autism Spectrum Disorders
40 RELATED STUDIES | 102 TOTAL STUDIES
The use of cannabidiol as a novel treatment for oral stereotypic behaviour (crib-biting) in a horse
The Effects of Peripubertal THC Exposure in Neurodevelopmental Rat Models of Psychopathology
A systematic review of cannabidiol trials in neurodevelopmental disorders
Medical Cannabis Received by Patients According to Qualifying Condition in a US State Cannabis Program: Product Choice, Dosing, and Age-Related Trends
Cannabidiol Increases Seizure Resistance and Improves Behavior in an Scn8a Mouse Model
A Review on the Bioactivity of Cannabinoids on Zebrafish Models: Emphasis on Neurodevelopment
Impact of cannabinoids on pregnancy, reproductive health and offspring outcomes
The Effects of Cannabidiol and δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Social Cognition: A Naturalistic Controlled Study
Oxytocin acts centrally in the brain to improve leaky gut through the vagus nerve and a cannabinoid signaling in rats
A randomized, controlled trial of ZYN002 cannabidiol transdermal gel in children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome (CONNECT-FX)
Treatment of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in a Mouse Model by Cannabidiol, an Angiogenesis Pathway Inhibitor
Adjuvant palmitoylethanolamide therapy with risperidone improves negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Immunomodulatory Role of CB2 Receptors in Emotional and Cognitive Disorders
Unexpected improvement of hyperhidrosis with cannabidiol
Herbal Approaches to Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain
The Role of Cannabidiol in Neurological Disorders
A pilot randomised placebo-controlled trial of cannabidiol to reduce severe behavioural problems in children and adolescents with intellectual disability
Cannabinoid control of hippocampal functions: the where matters
Cannabis exposure during adolescence: A uniquely sensitive period for neurobiological effects
Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System
Case Report: Lennox-Gastaut Epileptic Encephalopathy Responsive to Cannabidiol Treatment Associated With a Novel de novo Mosaic SHANK1 Variant
Cannabidiol and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children
Potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoids to treat behavioural problems in children and adolescents with developmental disorders
Cannabidiol Exposure During the Mouse Adolescent Period Is Without Harmful Behavioral Effects on Locomotor Activity, Anxiety, and Spatial Memory
Phytocannabinoids in Neurological Diseases: Could They Restore a Physiological GABAergic Transmission?
Cannabis sativa: Much more beyond Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Palmitoylethanolamide: A Nutritional Approach to Keep Neuroinflammation within Physiological Boundaries—A Systematic Review
The endocannabinoidome as a substrate for noneuphoric phytocannabinoid action and gut microbiome dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders
Cannabis Exposure During Critical Windows of Development: Epigenetic and Molecular Pathways Implicated in Neuropsychiatric Disease
Medicinal Use of Cannabis in Children and Pregnant Women
Drug-Drug Interactions Between Cannabidiol and Lithium
Priority Considerations for Medicinal Cannabis-Related Research
Endocannabinoid system in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons: implications for neurological and psychiatric disorders
The Potential Benefits of Palmitoylethanolamide in Palliation: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Innovative Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid Receptors as Targets in Alzheimer's disease and Less Well-Known Diseases.
Chronic treatment with the phytocannabinoid Cannabidivarin (CBDV) rescues behavioural alterations and brain atrophy in a mouse model of Rett syndrome
Cannabidiol Attenuates Seizures And Social Deficits In A Mouse Model Of Dravet Syndrome
Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase attenuates social behavioural deficits in male rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid
β‐caryophyllene and β‐caryophyllene oxide—natural compounds of anticancer and analgesic properties.
Endocannabinoid Signaling Mediates Oxytocin-driven Social Reward
Overview - Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Description of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Thirty years ago, few people had ever heard the word autism. Circa 1975, only one in 5,000 children was diagnosed with this condition. Nowadays, it is a household word, and almost everybody knows of someone suffering from the disease.
The allopathic community considers autism a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins early in childhood. Government statistics suggest that the prevalence rate of autism is increasing by 10-17% annually, doubling roughly every five years since 1980.
The facts are starkly clear: the pervasiveness of autism is growing exponentially. If current trends continue and no cure is found, we could look at a future reality where, by 2047, one in two people will be diagnosed as autistic.
Pharmaceutical medications (such as Ritalin, an amphetamine-like drug) are given to millions of children annually to control symptoms.
Disease Classification
Condition: AutismDisease Family: Mental Disorders
Organ System: Mental/Emotional System, Nervous System
ICD-10 Chapter: Mental and Behavioural Disorders
ICD-10 Code: F84
Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders Symptoms:
Symptoms of autism fall on a spectrum range between the following: the autism savant, atypical social interaction, atypical communicating, atypical interests, compulsive behavior, destructive behaviorAlso known as:
ASD, Infantile Autism, Childhood-onset autism, autistic disorder, autism disorder, autism spectrum disorder, infantile autism, Asperger's Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, developmental disorder, autistic disorder of childhood onset, Kanner syndrome, Kanner's syndrome, low functioning autism, high functioning autism, autism with speech disturbances or language delay, residual state autism disorder, SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability, SYNGAP1, specific developmental disorders of speech and languageDrug Interactions
THC Interaction with Pharmaceutical Drugs
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can enhance the effects of drugs that cause sedation and depress the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol.
- THC is metabolized by an inhibitor of several enzymatic liver pathways referred to as cytochrome P450 (aka CYP450). There are more than 50 enzymes belonging to this enzyme family, several of which are responsible for the breakdown of common drugs such as antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin, fluvoxamine), antipsychotics (haloperidol, clozapine, Stelazine), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), bronchodilators (e.g., theophylline), or blood thinners (e.g., warfarin). Thus, patients taking these medication classes may find that THC increases the concentration and effects of these drugs and the impact duration.
- Clinical observation (not yet confirmed by clinical trials) suggests no likely interactions with other pharmaceuticals at a total daily dose of up to 20mg THC.
If you are interested in the interaction potential of specific pharmaceuticals with THC, consider visiting these free drug interaction checkers: Drugs.com or DrugBank Online.
CBD Interaction with Pharmaceutical Drugs
- Cannabidiol (CBD) may alter the action of metabolic enzymes (specific drug-transport mechanisms) and alter interactions with other drugs, some of which may produce therapeutic or adverse effects. For instance, CBD interacts with the enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 and cytochrome P450 2C19, increasing the bioavailability of anti-epileptic drugs such as clobazam (a benzodiazepine). This makes it possible to achieve the same results at significantly lower dosages, reducing treatment costs and risks of adverse effects.
- Groups of drugs affected include anti-epileptics, psychiatric drugs, and drugs affecting metabolic enzymes.
- Clinical observations (not yet confirmed by clinical trials) suggest no likely interactions with other pharmaceuticals at a total daily dose of up to 100mg CBD.
If you are interested in the interaction potential of specific pharmaceuticals with CBD, consider visiting these free drug interaction checkers: Drugs.com or DrugBank Online.
THC/CBD Interaction with Pharmaceutical Drugs
In general, when using cannabinoid-based therapeutics that contain both THC and CBD consider the ratio between them and weigh the relevant information displayed in the individual THC and CBD Drug Interaction windows accordingly.
If you are interested in the interaction potential of specific pharmaceuticals with both primary cannabinoids and THC/CBD, consider visiting these free drug interaction checkers: Drugs.com or DrugBank Online.
Concerns about Cannabis and Cancer-related Immunotherapies:
Some recent clinical observational studies have suggested that the co-administration of cannabinoid-based therapeutics and immunotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of certain types of cancer has been associated with worse overall survival rates (T. Taha et al., 2019; A. Biedny et al., 2020; G. Bar-Sela et al., 2020).
However, other studies have suggested that the co-commitment use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cannabis-induced no such deleterious effects. More specifically, one trial was conducted on animals resulting in data suggesting that cannabis did not negatively affect the properties of immune checkpoint inhibitors (B. Waissengrin et al., 2023). The same authors compared the previous study results with findings from a cohort of 201 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who received treatment with monotherapy pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment and adjunct cannabis to treat mainly pain and loss of appetite. Their time to tumor progression was 6.1 versus 5.6 months, and overall survival differed between 54.9 versus 23.6 months in cannabis-naïve patients and cannabis-using patients, respectively. However, while numerically different, the authors write that these differences were not statistically significant, leading them to suggest that “These data provide reassurance regarding the absence of a deleterious effect of cannabis in this clinical setting.”
Dosing Considerations
THC Dosage Considerations
- THC micro dose: 0.1 mg to 0.4 mg
- THC low dose: 0.5 mg to 5 mg
- THC medium dose: 6 mg to 20 mg
- THC high dose: 21 mg to 50+ mg
CBD Dosage Considerations
- CBD low dose: 0.4 mg to 19 mg
- CBD medium dose: 20 mg to 99 mg
- CBD high dose: 100 mg to 800+ mg (upper limits tested ~1,500mg)
Disclaimer
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own licensed physician or other medical professional. You
should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If using a product, you should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a
medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
Information on this site is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
