Cannabis oil is being touted as a great treatment option that’s being increasingly recommended for a variety of different conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and epileptic seizures. It’s also used to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments, used in palliative care, and often effective for reducing nerve pain. Cannabis oil improves symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and sleeplessness. Some also believe it’s a possible treatment option for patients with autism.
Since it’s well-tolerated and less expensive than many prescription drugs, cannabis oil offers an effective alternative for those living with autism. Found in a variety of marijuana dispensaries, cannabis oil is becoming more commonly used for medicinal purposes. Scientific studies and research are being formed to establish the relationship between cannabis oil and autism.
To help you understand more, below are the seven positive effects between cannabis oil and autism:
1. Epileptic Seizure Suppression
There has been a positive correlation between cannabis oil and autism. Patients with autism are a little more likely to have epilepsy. Cannabis oil can help suppress epileptic seizures in autistic patients.
Epidiolex is recommended as a CBD medication to treat Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. The two conditions are rare forms of difficult-to-control childhood epilepsy that grossly impact a child’s development and general quality of life.
Some autistic patients have experienced a significant reduction of seizures using cannabis oil.
2. Behavioural Effectiveness
Cannabis oil is neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and analgesic. However, it also has therapeutic properties that can help treat mental health and behavioural conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as aggressive behavior – all of which may be present in autistic patients.
Some autistic patients have exhibited a decline in aggressive behavior.
3. Effective on Comorbid Symptoms
Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) generally exhibit comorbid symptoms of self-injury, depression, aggressiveness, hyperactivity, restlessness, and irritability. They might also show signs of lethargy and sensory difficulties.
Depending on where a patient falls on the autism spectrum, there may be slight or significant speech difficulties present. Fortunately, some patients have shown excellent speech improvement shortly after cannabis oil treatment.
Studies show that comorbid symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression have also been reported as significantly improved in children with ASD after the administration of cannabidiol. This is based on parents’ reports after clinical trials were conducted on children with ASD.
4. Effective on Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders
A considerable number of individuals with autism suffer functional GI problems. These include stomach pain, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, and similar issues.
The increased rates of inflammatory bowel illnesses and the severity of GI effects correlate with that of autism. CBD oil has been used to successfully treat colitis, including symptoms of diarrhea and inflammatory damage. CBD has a direct impact on the vagus nerve that connects the brainstem with the enteric nervous system of the gut.
The vagus nerve manages various physiological processes and the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut. This is because cannabis oil is well-tolerated in ASD patients. It’s safe and effective for relieving ASD-related symptoms, such as GI problems.
5. Sleep Disorders
Sleeping disorders are another common comorbidity in patients with ASD. It has an estimated prevalence of between 40 to 80% in this population.
These disorders have a significant impact on those affected. Sleep disorders affect a patient’s daily activities and their ability to interact socially. When seen in children, teens, or young adults, these disorders can also increase parental stress.
The positive effects between cannabis oil and autism have been studied thoroughly. A systematic review conducted on the topic suggested that the use of cannabinoids among people with a medical condition that could impact sleep might actually improve sleep through decreased night-time disturbances. However, results of sleep outcomes were inconsistent amongst studies that utilized objective sleep measures.
A study to assess the effects of cannabis extract on memory, sleepiness, sleep, and early-morning performance demonstrated that CBD increased alertness, whereas THC had sedative effects.
6. Psychosocial and Mental Health
Mood and anxiety disorders are also known to affect those with autism and ASD. About 40% are comorbid and have escalating anxiety that aggravates other symptoms.
A randomized, double-blind study using healthy controls and social anxiety disorder (SAD) on patients who had not received previous treatment was conducted. The participants received an administration of cannabis oil 600mg or a placebo, about one-and-a-half hours before a simulated public speaking contest.
The participants who received the cannabis oil dose exhibited reduced anxiety, discomfort, and cognitive impairment in their speech compared to the placebo group.
7. Protect the Brain from Oxidative Stress
There is a correlation between autism and increased levels of oxidative stress. Higher levels of oxidative stress reduce the levels of antioxidant serum proteins, which are partly responsible for acquired language skills. Studies show that CBD protects the brain from oxidative stress, which could allow patients with autism to improve social skills.
Autism rates are rising worldwide. It is in our best interest to find effective treatment options. Cannabis oil is sometimes a recommended treatment option for people with autism. The benefits of CBD-based interventions are many and varied. Key among them is the medicine’s0 ability to improve speech and reduce incidences of epileptic seizures. It may also reduce anxiety, aggressive behaviour, sleeping disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders.
