Using Cannabis Extract to Help Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects many children. It can cause problems with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Researchers have been exploring different ways to help children with ASD, and a clinical trial looked at the use of a cannabis extract called cannabidiol (CBD).

Clinical Trial

The study was done with 60 children between the ages of 5 and 11 who had ASD. The children were split into two groups: one group received CBD-rich cannabis extract, and the other group received a placebo (a treatment that doesn't have any active ingredients). The researchers wanted to see if the cannabis extract could improve the symptoms of ASD and whether it was safe for children to use.

The study was "double-blind," which means that neither the children nor the researchers knew who was getting the real treatment and who was getting the placebo. This is done to prevent biases from affecting the results. The children used the treatments for 12 weeks, and the researchers collected data on how they were doing throughout the study.

Results

The results showed that the children who received the CBD-rich cannabis extract had some improvements in their symptoms. They were better at socializing with others, had less anxiety, and were able to concentrate better. They also ate more meals per day and were less agitated. The improvements in concentration were only seen in children with mild ASD.

The researchers also looked at whether there were any negative side effects from the treatment. Only three children in the group that received the cannabis extract reported any adverse effects, such as dizziness, insomnia, colic, and weight gain. This suggests that the treatment was safe for most of the children who participated in the study.

While this study shows that CBD-rich cannabis extract may be helpful for some children with ASD, it's important to remember that the study was done with a small number of children. More research is needed to confirm the results and to see if other types of cannabis extracts or compounds could be helpful.

It's also worth noting that the use of cannabis for medical purposes is a controversial topic. There are concerns about the long-term effects of cannabis use, and it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor before trying any treatments.

Conclusion

This clinical trial suggests that CBD-rich cannabis extract could be a safe and effective treatment option for some children with ASD. The treatment improved social interaction, anxiety, concentration, and other symptoms, with few serious side effects. However, more research is needed to confirm the results and to explore other treatment options. If you or someone you know has ASD, it's important to talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage the condition.

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