According to new research, CBD extracts appear to have a positive impact on autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with children and teens showing “moderate improvements in social responses and small but notable reductions of disruptive behavior and anxiety.”
The researchers who gave their results at the European Congress of Psychiatry 2025 in Madrid, Spain, earlier in the month said, while further research was needed, they concluded that “CBD cannabis extracts could be considered in ASD treatments plans.”
Three published studies on marijuana components were examined, involving a total of 276 participants. Ages of the subjects ranged from five to twenty-one years with a median age of ten.
The authors noted that while patients taking cannabidiol showed improved social responsiveness, reduced disruptive behavior and anxiety when compared with the placebo group. However, the CBD group did not show any significant differences in side effects compared with the placebo.
In the study, dosages were increased up to 10 milligrams of CBD per kg of body weight per day. Orally administered extracts had minimal THC at ratios as low as 9-to-1 and 20-to0-1.
“The global population prevalence of ASD diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective,” lead investigator on the study, Lara Cappelletti Beneti Branco, of the University of São Paulo, said in a news release about the presentation. The effects of CBD extracts on participants in the study are promising. There is still a need for more research and larger studies to confirm its safety and efficacy in treating ASD.
Geertdom, the president of the European Psychiatric Association said about the findings, “We are delighted to see this meta-analysis, and we look forward to further research so that we can find a way to meet the needs of our community.”
Dom stated in the press release that “ASD is extremely frustrating to all parties involved, including parents and clinicians treating children with ASD and the adolescents who have the disorder.” This frustration stems in large part from the difficulty of finding an effective treatment that reduces symptoms.
The nearly dozen-person research team represented a range of institutions worldwide, including Università degli Studi di Milano, in Italy; the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, in Boston; Yale University and others.
The authors noted that the limited number of studies included in the analysis as well as the “significant heterogeneity” and the study’s own small samples were among the analyses limitations.
A Brazilian review concluded recently that preliminary evidence indicates potential benefits of CBD-rich formulations of cannabis to treat ASD. This includes improvements in anxiety, sleep, and behavior.
This report stated that “Cannabinoids showed superior efficacy to placebos in certain studies” when it came to core ASD symptomatology and behavioral outcomes.
Researchers noted that adverse events “varierated” between patients and the “response of treatment varied across individuals.” This underscored the need for more research.
Separate research published late last year found that high-CBD, low-THC cannabis products have the potential to “significantly improve the quality of life” for children with autism and epilepsy disorders.
The authors wrote that “more research is needed” but that “this review and other reviews of literature suggest that medical marijuana is a potentially viable option along with established medical treatment guidelines.” It is particularly true in the case of pediatric autism spectrum disorder.
Another, federally funded report published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that cannabis use during early pregnancy was not associated with child autism.
This analysis includes data on 178 948 pregnancies, conceived by 146 296 individuals unique between 2011 and 2019. The children were assessed at different stages for autism and other developmental factors.
This study found that maternal prenatal marijuana use is not related to childhood autism after controlling for other cofounders. These include sociodemographic characteristics and noncannabis substances used by mothers.
In Ohio officials decided in February that autism spectrum disorder could be a qualifying condition to receive medical marijuana. The proposal next proceeds to an open public comment period and expert review.
Connecticut added ASD as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis late last year. Colorado, Delaware Georgia Louisiana Michigan Minnesota Pennsylvania Utah, and Utah, are also states that recognize this disorder.
A new study found that CBD helped to relieve chronic pain in more than 98% of patients.