Cannabis

The interest in medical cannabis has been growing over the last few years. Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system and may modulate different aspects related to cognition, socioemotional responses, susceptibility to seizures, nociception, and neuronal plasticity, which are often altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research on the use of medical cannabis for ASD is insufficient to provide clinical guidance on the efficacy, safety, composition, and dosage. However, medical cannabis might represent a promising treatment for ASD-associated symptoms based on the results of one randomized, controlled trial. Future research should develop rigorously designed studies to compare the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis alone or in combination with antipsychotics to other treatments. Medical cannabis and cannabis-derived products may be used to manage some ASD-associated symptoms on an individual basis if other evidence-based treatments have failed, after a comprehensive assessment and under medical surveillance.