CBD may hold a promise in improving symptoms of autism in several ways. In this article, we would look at these possible therapeutic roles and how to choose the best CBD products for autism.

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how people interact, communicate, and experience the world around them. It's like having a unique way of thinking and processing information. Did you know that about 1% of the world's population has ASD? That's a lot of people—more than 75 million, according to research by the CDC. Further statistics shows that 1 in every 100 children is diagnosed with ASD.

Autism shows up in various ways, and you might notice some individuals having difficulty with social situations, communicating, or sticking to routines. They might also have special interests that they are super passionate about.

What does research say about CBD for Autism?

There are several studies showcasing the possible therapeutic roles of CBD for Autism. A research paper published in 2022 discovered that administration of full-spectrum CBD oil facilitated a reduction in negative behaviors such as violent outbursts and self-injurious actions, along with improvements in social interactions, concentration, and emotional stability in a 9 year old ASD patient.

Another research study published in 2022 attested to the therapeutic potential of CBD-rich cannabis extracts in improving symptoms of ASD. The researchers discovered that CBD-rich cannabis treatment lead to improvements, particularly in social communication abilities.

A clinical study conducted in 2021 revealed that using lower doses of CBD and trace THC or full-spectrum CBD oils appeared as a promising remedy in managing behavioral problems associated with autism.

What are the possible roles of CBD for autism?

Some preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may have certain properties that could be beneficial for individuals with autism. These possible therapeutic roles are discussed below;

1. Reducing anxiousness

Many people with autism also experience anxiousness. Several research studies suggest that CBD could make people feel more relaxed and calm. For individuals with autism, this might mean less anxiousness in everyday situations, like when they are around other people or dealing with changes in their routine.

2. Improving sleep

CBD may help improve sleep through various mechanisms. First, it has been studied for its ability to reduce anxiousness, a common factor contributing to sleep difficulties. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiousness levels, CBD may create a more conducive environment for better sleep. Additionally, CBD's potential stress-relieving effects and its influence on the sleep-wake cycle, regulated by the endocannabinoid system, could contribute to a more balanced sleep pattern.

CBD might aid sleep by potentially relieving pain, making it particularly relevant for individuals with conditions causing discomfort. Studies suggest that CBD's analgesic properties could contribute to improved sleep by reducing pain-related disturbances.

3. Addressing behavioral challenges.

CBD is recognized for its potential to induce a calming effect, making it a subject of interest in addressing behavioral changes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This calming influence is particularly significant in managing ASD-related outbursts and fostering improvements in social interactions. Individuals with ASD often face challenges in regulating their emotions and responding to sensory stimuli, leading to heightened anxiousness and, at times, disruptive outbursts. CBD's anxiolytic properties may contribute to mitigating these challenges, promoting a more composed state of mind and reducing the frequency and intensity of autism-related outbursts.

In addition, the calming effect of CBD has the potential to positively impact social interactions for individuals with ASD. Social situations can be overwhelming and anxiousness-inducing for those with ASD, hindering their ability to engage comfortably. By reducing anxiousness levels, CBD may create a more conducive environment for individuals with ASD to navigate social interactions with increased ease and confidence. This, in turn, can contribute to positive behavioral changes, fostering improved communication and social engagement.

What is the best CBD product for Autism?

The hemp industry does not have national standards for consumer safety because it is not regulated by the FDA. It is important for the consumers to know how to choose the best product. Statistics show that almost 60% of hemp products don’t contain CBD in them while over 28% of CBD companies in the US don’t test their products for pesticides. If you want to choose the best CBD products for Autism, then here are a few steps to follow.

1. Source and Quality of CBD:

Choose CBD products from organic hemp. CBD products from high-quality, organically grown hemp are favored for a more natural and pure experience, avoiding synthetic pesticides and contributing to sustainability.

2. Mode of Extraction:

How CBD is extracted impacts its quality and safety. Cold extraction, CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction are common and safe methods. CO2 and cold extraction preserves all beneficial compounds, while ethanol extraction, although cost-effective, requires extra steps to remove leftover alcohol. Products made with harmful solvents like butane or propane should be avoided. Nesas Hemp uses a unique cold extraction method to preserve natural compounds and cannabinoids like CBDa.

3. Type of CBD:

CBD products come in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate forms. Full-spectrum contains various cannabinoids, broad-spectrum has multiple cannabinoids without THC, and isolate is pure CBD. Full or broad-spectrum products are often preferable for engaging more receptors and offering better effects. Most successful research works on CBD for Autism utilized full-spectrum CBD oils and extracts.

4. Authentic and verifiable Third-Party Testing:

Not all third-party laboratories provide reliable data. ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories, preferably DEA licensed, are ideal. ACS Laboratory is an example of a nationally recognized high-quality clinical laboratory. Verified lab reports confirm the absence of contaminants, providing transparency about the product's composition.

5. Brand Reputation:

Reputable brands prioritize quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Look for unique barcodes, links to lab reports, and consider customer reviews for valuable insights. Recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends or healthcare professionals, can guide decisions when selecting a CBD product. Choosing products from reputable brands increases the likelihood of finding a quality CBD product.

Frequently asked Questions

Want to Learn More?

1. How To Clear Your Mind In 6 Ways
2. What is CBDa? What To Know Now
3. The CBD Benefits for Kids — Why Moms are turning to hemp 
4. CBD Regulations: Where Do We Stand on Organic Hemp Oil?
5. Is CBD Safe? What You Should Know About It

Sources

Ma L, Platnick S, Platnick H. Cannabidiol in Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study. Cureus. 2022 Aug 26;14(8):e28442. doi: 10.7759/cureus.28442. PMID: 36176817; PMCID: PMC9509693.

Hacohen, M., Stolar, O.E., Berkovitch, M. et al. Children and adolescents with ASD treated with CBD-rich cannabis exhibit significant improvements particularly in social symptoms: an open label study. Transl Psychiatry 12, 375 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-022-02104-8

Bilge, S., Ekici, B. CBD-enriched cannabis for autism spectrum disorder: an experience of a single center in Turkey and reviews of the literature. J Cannabis Res 3, 53 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00108-7

Raz, N., Heller, I., Lombardi, T., Marino, G., Davidson, E. M., & Eyal, A. M. (2022). Terpene-Enriched CBD oil for treating autism-derived symptoms unresponsive to pure CBD: Case report. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 979403. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.979403