There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests that cannabis can treat autism, but there’s little research to back it up. To investigate these claims, two bi-coastal research groups are initiating major studies. In New York, researchers are looking at the effect of non-psychoactive cannabinoids over years. Additionally, at the University of California, San Diego team is studying cannabis’ neuronal and behavioral effects on children with autism.
Though parents of children with autism have long advocated for cannabis accessibility, this could be the first step in legitimating cannabinoid medication for autism.
What is Autism?
According to the Autism Society of America, autism is “a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate.”
Autism is a ‘spectrum disorder’, meaning that its severity and symptoms can vary. These can include seizures, the complete inability to speak, anxiety and frustration.
There are numerous of anecdotal cases of cannabis functioning as a treatment for autism. Scott Badesch, President of the Autism Society of America, told High Times that they hear from a lot of parents who extol the virtues of marijuana for cannabis.
“No one has said, ‘I’ve had my son or daughter on medical marijuana and it didn’t help’,” Mr. Badesch explained. “The question is: What is it helping?”
What Parents Say About Autism and Cannabis
In California, Mieko Hester-Perez tested 13 pharmaceutical treatments for her son Joey’s autism. It wasn’t until she began administering medical marijuana brownies that Joey began socializing, resume playing with his toys and show fewer signs of anxiety. Not to mention, the traditional medications for autism had a host of negative side effects.
Furthermore, Abigail Darm, mother to Yuval who has autism, was impressed by her son’s response to