New research highlights the therapeutic potential of cannabis extracts in reducing behavioral challenges in young people with autism spectrum disorder.
What the Study Found
A clinical trial conducted in Israel has found that a specially formulated cannabis extract can significantly improve behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The treatment involved a carefully calibrated blend of cannabidiol (CBD) and a minimal amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), administered over a 12-week period to participants aged 5 to 21.
Among the 49 participants, those receiving the cannabis-based formulation experienced marked improvements in irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances compared to the placebo group. Caregivers reported better emotional regulation, improved social interactions, and more manageable day-to-day routines.
A Safe and Measured Approach
The cannabis extract used in the trial followed a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC, a composition designed to minimize psychoactive effects while maximizing therapeutic impact. The formulation was developed under pharmaceutical standards and administered under medical supervision.
Dr. Adi Aran, Director of the Pediatric Neurology Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and principal investigator of the study, stressed that this is not about recreational cannabis use. “We are not treating children with marijuana,” he explained. “We’re using a specific medical extract to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.”
Unlike THC-heavy cannabis products, the high-CBD formulation does not produce a “high” and has shown a strong safety profile in pediatric settings when properly managed.
Understanding the Science: Why Cannabis Might Work
The study builds on growing evidence that the endocannabinoid system—a network of receptors found throughout the body and brain—plays a key role in regulating behavior, mood, and stress responses. In individuals with autism, this system may be dysregulated.
CBD interacts with this system in a way that helps to modulate overstimulation, reduce anxiety, and stabilize mood. Although the exact mechanisms are still being researched, the current findings suggest that the extract’s impact on the endocannabinoid system could be responsible for the observed behavioral improvements.
Why This Matters: Current Gaps in Autism Treatment
There is currently no pharmaceutical cure for autism, and behavioral symptoms such as aggression, restlessness, and social withdrawal can be highly disruptive to families. While behavioral therapy and structured educational programs remain the gold standard of care, these approaches do not always fully address severe emotional or neurological symptoms.
Medications like antipsychotics are sometimes used, but they come with considerable side effects—especially for long-term use in children. In contrast, cannabis-based formulations may offer a more targeted, tolerable alternative if validated through larger trials.
Limitations and Future Research
While the results are encouraging, researchers caution against premature use of cannabis products without medical guidance. The trial was small, and larger, long-term studies are needed to verify efficacy, assess potential side effects, and determine ideal dosages for different age groups and autism profiles.
Furthermore, commercial CBD products on the market are unregulated in many countries and may not match the purity or dosage precision used in clinical settings.
Dr. Aran and his team are currently preparing for expanded trials to better understand the long-term safety of cannabis-based treatments and their potential role in standard autism care.
A Broader Look at Cannabinoid-Based Therapies
This study is part of a growing wave of scientific interest in the medical applications of cannabis and its derivatives. In recent months, researchers have explored the anti-inflammatory potential of cannabinoids like CBD and CBG for treating skin conditions such as eczema (read more), and how medical cannabis can offer effective relief for patients living with chronic pain (read more). Other investigations show promise in improving sleep among healthcare professionals using CBD-infused products like pillowcases (read more). Together, these studies are shaping a new frontier in integrative medicine, with cannabinoids playing a central role.
