Families exploring CBD and autism often report positive experiences, noting that CBD oils may help reduce stress, aggression, self-injurious behaviors, and anxiety in autistic individuals.
While scientific studies are ongoing, some parents have also seen benefits for children with co-occurring seizures. But how does CBD compare to medical marijuana for autism?
How is CBD oil different from medical marijuana?
Let’s start by understanding the difference between CBD oil and medical marijuana.
CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant but contains little to no THC—the substance that causes mind-altering effects. It is usually mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil and is legal in the U.S. if made from hemp with less than 0.3% THC.
Medical marijuana also comes from cannabis but contains THC. While it’s illegal under federal law, some states allow its medical use with a doctor’s prescription and a few even permit recreational use.
The benefits of CBD for autism
Since CBD oil is hemp-derived and only contains small amounts of THC, it is not psychoactive. To put it simply, your child will not feel “high” after using the oil, unlike patients who use THC-containing medical marijuana.
CBD for autism may help in two ways. Firstly, it may reduce anxiety, stress, aggression, and self-injurious behavior in some autistic children. It could also help with social interactions.
Secondly, CBD oil can help children with co-occurring seizures. While every child is different, many parents report positive results with CBD. This is mostly common in states where medical marijuana is illegal.
Since CBD is not psychoactive, it is often the preferred choice over medical marijuana.
Many children with epilepsy experience the same or better relief from CBD oil as they do with traditional medications—often with fewer side effects.
While researchers are still studying the connection between cannabis and autism and how CBD helps anxiety, many families rely on positive personal experiences.
CBD and autism: What are the risks?
Studies suggest it is perfectly safe to use CBD oil for children. However, some potential side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety and depression
- Psychosis
As with any medication, always seek professional advice with any questions you may have regarding the treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it.
Does CBD oil help with aggression in autism?
Many parents using CBD oil for autism report positive results in reducing aggression. Some say their children, once unreachable during outbursts, can now use calming techniques. Others report seeing less physical violence.
In 2010, Dr. Lester Grinspoon urged doctors to take these experiences seriously and study CBD’s effects on aggression. However, much research still focuses on the causes of autism-related aggression rather than ways to manage it.
For families who have tried traditional medications with limited success, CBD oil offers a promising alternative. As research continues, scientists hope to better understand how CBD affects the autistic brain and why it helps with aggression.
Can CBD help with anxiety in kids?
Many parents are exploring CBD for kids’ anxiety as a natural option to help manage stress and nervousness. While research is still ongoing, some families report that CBD oil promotes relaxation and improves sleep without the side effects of traditional medications.
High-quality CBD for children is typically derived from hemp, containing little to no THC, making it a non-intoxicating choice. Before trying CBD for anxiety in kids, it’s important to consult a pediatrician to ensure safety and proper dosage.
Does CBD oil help with ADHD?
Many parents and adults wonder, does CBD help ADHD? While research is still limited, some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that CBD oil may help manage ADHD symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and anxiety.
Unlike traditional medications, CBD is believed to promote calmness and focus without harsh side effects. However, experts emphasize the need for more scientific studies to understand its effectiveness fully.
If you’re considering CBD for ADHD, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your needs.
What is Charlotte’s Web, and why do many parents use it?
Charlotte’s Web is a well-known CBD oil that many parents trust for its quality and effectiveness. This whole-plant hemp extract contains CBD, CBC, CBG, and other beneficial compounds.
From seed to bottle, the production process ensures purity by using only flowers and stems, while soil is tested for heavy metals and contaminants before planting.
The product was named after Charlotte Figi, a young girl with epilepsy. Charlotte’s Web gained recognition when it helped reduce her seizures from hundreds per week to just a few per month.
Many parents turn to Charlotte’s Web CBD oil for its potential benefits in managing epilepsy, anxiety, and other conditions.
Where and how can you get CBD oil for autism?
Of course, every parent’s primary concern is their child’s health and safety. To be sure your child gets the most good from their experience with CBD oil, you need to start with a high-quality oil.
Since CBD oil is mostly unregulated, choosing the right one is the responsibility of a well-researched parent. If medical marijuana is legal in your state, a dispensary with an excellent reputation is a great place to look for the oil.
Your child does not need a prescription for CBD oil. Your doctor can help you identify the best product for your kid’s needs. If you live in an area where medical marijuana is not yet legal, health food stores will likely be the best place to find CBD oil.
There are many different types of CBD oil strains for autism. Make sure to research the company’s ethics and reviews to find the most effective one for your child.
How much CBD oil should you give an autistic child?
There is currently very little research on the best CBD oil dosage for autism. Finding what works best for your child will likely take some trial and error. However, the process might be an easier one for your child than with traditional prescription medication.
The most common side effects, such as decreased appetite, fatigue, and drowsiness, are frequently reported at lower levels than with traditional medication.
Your child’s pediatrician can help you determine how to administer hemp oil for autism. Dosages are measured in “drops.” The appropriate number of drops to give your child will vary based on the potency of the cannabis oil and your child’s symptoms.
Contact your child’s pediatrician to help determine how much oil is safe for your child and if you have any concerns as to how they are responding.
Is CBD right for your child?
As more families explore CBD for autism, the potential benefits continue to generate interest. Many parents report positive changes in anxiety, aggression, and even seizures, though scientific research is still catching up.
While CBD oil is not a cure for autism, it may offer a natural way to support emotional regulation and overall well-being.
If you’re considering CBD for your autistic child, it’s essential to choose a high-quality product and consult with a healthcare professional. Every child responds differently, and finding the right dosage may take some time.
As research evolves, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of how CBD interacts with the autistic brain and how it can be used effectively.
FAQs
Q: What strain of CBD is best for autism?
A: Currently, there is no specific CBD strain proven to be most effective for managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms; research is ongoing, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before considering CBD as a treatment option.
Q: Does CBD help with sensory issues?
A: Some studies suggest that CBD may help alleviate sensory processing issues in individuals with ASD. More comprehensive research is needed to confirm these findings.
Q: Does CBD calm down ADHD?
A: Some preliminary studies indicate that CBD might have calming effects that could benefit those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AHDH). However, there is insufficient evidence to support its widespread use for this purpose.
Q: Does CBD calm the brain?
A: Overall, CBD has been observed to have calming properties on the brain, potentially aiding in anxiety reduction and promoting relaxation. However, individual responses can vary, and further research is necessary to fully understand its effects.
Other methods you may be interested in:
- How the Masgutova Method Can Be Beneficial for Autistic Children
- Autism and Dance: Does Dancing Benefit Autistic Kids?
- Telehealth and Discrete Video Modeling for Families Worldwide
- Is Acupuncture Effective for Autism?
- Hypnosis for Autism: Is it Beneficial?
- Herbs for Autism: A Natural Approach
- TMS Treatment for Autism: What is it and Does it Work?
- Proprioceptive Input for Children with Autism
- Can a Fecal Transplant Reduce Autism Symptoms?
- CBD Oil for Autism: Benefits and Usage Guide
- Can Neurofeedback Help People With Autism With Processing Issues?
- How to Use Music As a Tool to Gain Attention With Autism
- Ways Implementing Three-Term Contingency Can Help
- Remarkable Ways Yoga Can Help Your Child with Special Needs
- Successful Indian Head Massage for People with Special Needs
- 5 Top Reasons Qigong May be Right for Your Special Needs Child
References
Posey, D. J., Stigler, K. A., Erickson, C. A., & McDougle, C. J. (2008, January 02).
Antipsychotics in the treatment of autism. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2171144/
Ma, L., Platnick, S., & Platnick, H. (2022). Cannabidiol in treatment of autism Spectrum disorder: a case study. Cureus, 14(8). https://www.cureus.com/articles/109585-cannabidiol-in-treatment-of-autism-spectrum-disorder-a-case-study.pdf
Pedrazzi, J. F., Ferreira, F. R., Silva-Amaral, D., Lima, D. A., Hallak, J. E., Zuardi, A. W., … & Crippa, J. A. (2022). Cannabidiol for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: hope or hype?. Psychopharmacology, 239(9), 2713-2734. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-022-06196-4
Bar-Lev Schleider, L., Mechoulam, R., Saban, N., Meiri, G., & Novack, V. (2019). Real life experience of medical cannabis treatment in autism: analysis of safety and efficacy. Scientific reports, 9(1), 200. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-37570-y
Pedrazzi, J. F., Hassib, L., Ferreira, F. R., Hallak, J. C., Del-Bel, E., & Crippa, J. A. (2024). Therapeutic potential of CBD in Autism Spectrum Disorder. International Review of Neurobiology, 177, 149-203. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0074774224000709
