A new study from Minnesota officials found that medical marijuana helped people with autism to reduce anxiety and depression.
The study involved 1,800 medical marijuana patients who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). According to officials, this is the “largest research ever done on medical cannabis and patients with ASD.”
Of the 88 percent of patients who reported experiencing moderate to severe anxiety upon entering the program, more than half (57 percent) were able to reduce their anxiety by 30 percent or more within four months of beginning medical cannabis use, and 67 percent of those maintained that reduction for an additional four months, according to their answers on self-report surveys.
The study stated that “Patients reported similar improvements in disturbed sleeping (37.3%) fatigue (34.4%) and depression (41.3%) score.”
The report concluded, “In summary, patients with ASD have reported significant clinical improvements in a variety of symptoms. Some of these are often seen in this group, such as anxiety and depression.
Patients were able achieve and maintain symptomatic relief after using medical cannabis.
The study also collected quotes from patients and caregivers who spoke about the benefits of medical marijuana.
- Medical cannabis has helped with my disorder in so many ways. It’s a great way to start the day without feeling sick, or to add to therapy.
- “It seems like my autism anxiety has eased up a little.” It helps me to sleep a bit better. It helps to numb the depression pain.
- “[Patient] “The child is happier and more likely to engage in activities.”
- “Decreased anxiety, decreased aggressive behavior, reduction in self-injurious behaviors, sleeping better, decreases in seizures, improved appetite.”
- “Medical marijuana has relieved my anxiety in the workplace and social situations.” It has helped me be a more effective student, employee and friend to my peers.
In a press statement, OCM Executive Director Eric Taubel stated that “this study shows the value of listening and using real-world information to better understand how medicinal cannabis may improve a patient’s quality of life.” “The results are encouraging, especially for patients with anxiety, depression and sleep problems, as well as other conditions that may accompany autism. Minnesota’s cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve. Research like this is important as we make decisions that are based on solid evidence and put the health of patients first.
After starting medical cannabis, patients who qualified for ASD experienced reduced anxiety. A subset of these patients also reported a reduction in behavioral symptoms.
Researchers warned that this study is not without limitations.
Since all the patients used medical marijuana, “it cannot compare the effectiveness of symptom relief with a control group or a placebo group.” There were also limitations due to the lack of information on the other treatments and medications that the patients used, as well as the fact that most patients were younger than 18 years old and were surveyed by a caregiver or parent.
Daren Howard, the interim executive Director of the Autism Society of Minnesota said, “We are particularly encouraged by the findings that patients with autism who use medical cannabis report reduced anxiety or depression because they are widespread concerns in our community.”
He said that the study was an important step in educating the public about supportive treatment options and ensuring their safety.
According to a previous study conducted by the Minnesota state officials, medical marijuana appears to be helpful for cancer patients in reducing pain, nausea, vomiting and anxiety, while improving sleep.
One study found that the use of medical marijuana by chronic pain sufferers is associated with improvements in physical and mental wellbeing, as well as an increase in general activity.
OCM also conducted a study showing that medical cannabis provides significant benefits for people struggling with sleep apnea.
Minnesota officials boasted last month that since the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state one year prior, retailers had sold more than 25 billion dollars worth of legal marijuana products.
Carlos Gracia. Photo courtesy Carlos Gracia.
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