Israeli researchers assessed the efficacy of whole-plant cannabis extracts in a cohort of children with ASD. Participants were administered extracts containing a 20 to 1 ratio of CBD to THC for periods of 7 to 13 months.

Patients demonstrated “overall improvement in behavior, anxiety, and communication” following daily cannabis dosing. Just over half of the participants either reduced or ceased taking prescription medications during the trial period.

Authors concluded: “Following the cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were much improved or very much improved in 61% of patients. … [T]he results of the current study render worthwhile further exploration of this treatment avenue in controlled studies.”

For more information, contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org. Full text of the study, “Cannabidiol-rich cannabis in children with autism spectrum disorder and severe behavioral problems – A retrospective feasibility study,” appears the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.