New research reveals that the use of cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis extract can lead to meaningful benefits and improve behaviour in children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ASD affects approximately one in 100 children around the world and symptoms can include difficulty interpreting language, difficulty expressing emotions, and repetitive behaviour and routines.
The meta-analysis included randomised, placebo-controlled trials on the efficacy or safety of CBD cannabis extracts in children and adolescents with ASD. Three studies were used in total with 276 participants, aged from 5 to 21-years-old.
The dosage of CBD started at 1 mg/kg per day and was titrated up to 10 mg/kg.
According to the findings, CBD significantly enhanced social responsiveness and reduced disruptive behaviour. It was also found to have a favourable safety profile with no increase in adverse effects compared to the placebo.
Lead Investigator, Lara Cappelletti Beneti Branco of São Camilo University Center, University of São Paulo, commented: “The global population prevalence of ASD diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective. It is promising to see the effect of CBD cannabis extract on the study participants. However, there still needs to be considerable focus on further research with larger trials to clarify its efficacy and safety in managing ASD.”
The research was presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry which took place earlier this month.
Professor Geert Dom, EPA President, said: “ASD can be extremely frustrating for all involved; parents of children and adolescents with the disorder, the treating clinicians and of course the children and adolescents themselves. A large part of this frustration is down to finding a viable treatment option that works to reduce symptoms. It is with delight that we see the results of this meta-analysis and we hope to see further research into this so we can move towards a solution to the unmet need within this community.”
The post Meta-Analysis Finds CBD Reduces Symptoms in Autistic Children and Teenagers appeared first on Cannabis Health News.
Go to Source
Author: News Editor
