Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CBD Wellness products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including autism spectrum disorder. Research cited includes both clinical and preclinical studies. Always consult a qualified physician, neurologist, or developmental pediatrician before using CBD or cannabis products for ASD, particularly in children.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the world, and one of the most complex to treat. The research in this area has advanced significantly, moving from preclinical observations to clinical trials. For related research, see our articles on cannabis and Alzheimer's disease, cannabis and ALS, and cannabis and chronic pain.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
ASD is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social communication, restricted or repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. It is called a spectrum disorder because presentations range from mild to severe. Common co-occurring challenges include anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, aggression, self-injurious behavior, seizures (affecting ~30% of people with ASD), and attention difficulties.
The Endocannabinoid System and ASD
Research has found that children with ASD possess lower-than-normal levels of certain endogenous cannabinoids, including anandamide — which plays a key role in mood regulation, social behavior, and anxiety modulation. This endocannabinoid deficiency has led researchers to propose that modulation of the ECS may be a viable therapeutic target for ASD. Learn more in our Beginner's Guide to CBD.
Key Clinical Research Findings
2019 Study: 188 Patients, CBD-Dominant Extracts
Over 90% of 188 subjects administered CBD-dominant extracts for at least six months demonstrated "some level of symptomatic improvement." Approximately one-third reduced their use of other medications. Authors concluded: "Cannabis as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders patients appears to be well-tolerated, safe, and [an] effective option to relieve symptoms, mainly: seizures, tics, depression, restlessness, and rage attacks."
2020 Tufts University Clinical Experience
Researchers affiliated with Tufts University in Boston reported: among subjects with ASD-associated aggression, 60% reported improvements; among subjects with both ASD and epilepsy, 91% reported some improvement in seizure control.
Placebo-Controlled Trial: 150 Adolescents
A placebo-controlled trial of 150 adolescents with autism found: "Disruptive behavior on the CGI-I was either much or very much improved in 49% [of subjects taking] whole-plant extract versus 21% on placebo. Median SRS Total Score improved by 14.9 points on whole-plant extract versus 3.6 points after placebo." That's more than double the behavioral improvement and more than four times the social responsiveness improvement vs. placebo.
2021 Literature Review
A systematic review concluded: "Cannabis products [have been demonstrated to] reduce the number and/or intensity of different symptoms, including hyperactivity, attacks of self-mutilation and anger, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, psychomotor agitation, irritability, aggressiveness, perseverance, and depression. Moreover, they [are associated with an] improvement in cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, social interaction, and language."
Safety and Tolerability
Across all studies, CBD-dominant preparations were consistently described as well-tolerated and safe, including in children and adolescents. CBD can interact with certain medications — any use in children must be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider. See our CBD Dosage Guide for general guidance.
A Note for Arizona Families
CBD Wellness offers proprietary CBD tinctures, salves, and hemp flower — exclusively formulated in-house, not available anywhere else. We serve customers throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Flagstaff, and across Arizona.
Explore our full CBD collection or contact us.
Continue Your CBD Education
- The Top 5 Health Benefits of Cannabis
- What Is CBD? A Beginner's Guide
- CBD vs THC — What's the Difference?
- How to Choose the Right CBD Product for You
- CBD Dosage Guide — How Much Should You Take?
- What Is a Cannabis Dispensary? Your Complete Guide
- Cannabis and Alzheimer's Disease: What the Research Says
- Cannabis and ALS: What the Research Says
- Cannabis and Chronic Pain: What the Research Says
Frequently Asked Questions: Cannabis and ASD
Can CBD help children with autism?
Clinical studies including a 2019 study of 188 patients and a placebo-controlled trial of 150 adolescents suggest CBD-dominant extracts may safely reduce ASD symptoms including aggression, seizures, anxiety, and social impairment. Use in children should always be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider.
What ASD symptoms may cannabinoids help with?
Research suggests cannabinoids may help reduce aggression, self-injurious behavior, seizures, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, hyperactivity, and irritability, while supporting improvements in social interaction, sensory sensitivity, attention, and language.
Is CBD safe for children with ASD?
Clinical studies consistently describe CBD-dominant preparations as well-tolerated and safe in ASD populations. Any use in children must be supervised by a qualified physician.
Where can I buy CBD for ASD symptom support in Arizona?
CBD Wellness ships premium, lab-tested CBD products throughout Arizona. Our proprietary formulations are developed exclusively in-house. Browse our full collection.
