Autism
Medical cannabis for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may help manage symptoms by reducing anxiety, enhancing mood regulation, and calming restlessness.
Autistic people experience the world differently to neurotypical people, but this is not a condition that must be treated or cured; it’s simply a difference in the way the brain works. However, its symptoms can cause challenges in everyday life, such as communication difficulties, sensitivity to external stimuli, and behavioural issues. Finding ways to effectively manage these can vastly improve quality of life.
Symptoms
Autism symptoms are unique to each person, but might include communication issues, sensitivity to external stimuli like loud noises or bright lights, anxiety in social situations, and a need for rigid routines.
Treatments
There isn’t a cure for autism, but treatments can help address particularly challenging symptoms and co-occurring conditions (like anxiety) thought to affect around 70% of autistic individuals. For example, medications could help to manage associated anxiety or depression, or stabilise behavioural symptoms. Research on medical cannabis for autism shows this could have a positive impact on symptoms like anxiety and behavioural issues.
61%
In a 2018 study, behavioural outbursts in children with autism were improved in 61% of patients after medical cannabis treatment
53.7%
A 2019 study found 53.7% of autistic people saw at least moderate symptom improvements after 6 months of cannabis use
71%
Over 70% of autistic adults experience sleep issues, and a 2022 study found 71% saw improvements in sleep after cannabis use
Get high quality medicinal cannabis fromthe doctor to your door.
Word from our expert
Dr Sunil Arora Chief Medical Officer
Medical cannabis can offer meaningful relief for some people undergoing chemotherapy, especially when it comes to easing nausea, improving appetite, and supporting better sleep.
Used thoughtfully alongside standard care, it can make a real difference to quality of life during treatment.
At Emerald, our team of experts can help you explore medical cannabis treatments for autism that work for you, providing you with a safe, natural option to restore balance in your life.
