Exploring the potential of therapeutic use of Cannabis in ASD patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex neurological illness, causes social impairment, communication issues, and repetitive conduct. Traditional ASD treatments include behavioural interventions and symptom-specific drugs. New evidence suggests cannabis therapy may ease some ASD symptoms. This comprehensive analysis evaluates cannabis's medicinal potential for ASD patients. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its dysregulation in ASD set the stage for cannabis treatment in this review. We evaluate preclinical and clinical studies on the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD on ASD symptoms. In animal models of ASD, cannabinoids improved social interaction, repetitive behaviour, anxiety, and cognition. Preliminary clinical trials and observational research show cannabis-based drugs improve social communication, repetitive behaviour, and quality of life in ASD patients. However, cannabis-based ASD therapy has certain considerations and constraints. There are no dosing guidelines or long-term safety data. Cannabis' moral and legal consequences, especially for youth, must be considered.