Medical Cannabis for Autism: What We Know So Far
What Researchers Found About Autism and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2022
Researchers
Colorado Department of Public Health (United States)
Study Type
Observational StudyKey Finding
CBD-rich medical cannabis appears to be an effective, tolerable, and relatively safe option for symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder, including irritability and sleep problems. However, no placebo-controlled trials exist yet, and long-term safety is unknown.
Key Finding: CBD-rich medical cannabis appears to be an effective, tolerable, and relatively safe option for symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder, including irritability and sleep problems. However, no placebo-controlled trials exist yet, and long-term safety is unknown.
What Researchers Studied About Autism and Cannabis
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents enormous treatment challenges—there are no medications approved for the core symptoms, and commonly prescribed drugs often have troubling side effects.
This study compared the safety and efficacy of commonly used ASD medications to what emerging research shows about medical cannabis.
With many families desperate for better treatment options, this review evaluates whether cannabis might offer benefits.
How This Observational Study Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a comparative review:
• Evaluated commonly prescribed ASD medications for safety and efficacy • Reviewed biologic plausibility of cannabis for ASD symptoms • Analyzed emerging studies on cannabis in the ASD population • Compared medication profiles to cannabis as a treatment option • Assessed the endocannabinoid system connection to ASD
Autism Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1No FDA-approved medications for core ASD symptoms
- 2Only 2 FDA-approved drugs for ASD-related irritability
- 3Common ASD medications have problematic side effects (aggression, anxiety, cognitive effects)
- 4CBD-rich cannabis shows potential for irritability and sleep problems
- 5Endocannabinoids may serve as biomarkers for ASD
- 6No placebo-controlled trials of cannabis for ASD yet
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 0 | approved medications for core ASD symptoms |
| 2 | FDA-approved drugs for ASD irritability only |
| CBD-rich | cannabis shows most promise |
| Unknown | long-term safety of cannabis for ASD |
approved medications for core ASD symptoms
FDA-approved drugs for ASD irritability only
cannabis shows most promise
long-term safety of cannabis for ASD
What This Means for Autism Patients
For families considering cannabis for autism, here's what the evidence shows:
The current treatment gap: • No medications are approved for core ASD symptoms • Only 2 drugs (risperidone, aripiprazole) approved for ASD-related irritability • Commonly prescribed medications often cause troubling side effects
What preliminary research shows: • CBD-rich cannabis may help with irritability • May help with sleep problems • Appears tolerable and relatively safe in studies so far • Some families report significant improvement
Important cautions: • NO placebo-controlled trials yet for cannabis in ASD • Long-term safety is UNKNOWN • Evidence is from case reports and observational studies • Quality and dosing vary widely
What this means: Cannabis is an emerging option that some families are finding helpful, but the evidence is preliminary. If considering cannabis for ASD, work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider and understand the limitations of current evidence.
Quick Answers: Autism and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does CBD help autism?
Maybe—early reports are promising for irritability and sleep, but there are no controlled trials yet. CBD-rich cannabis appears "tolerable and relatively safe" but long-term effects are unknown (Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2022).
Source: Pretzsch et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2022 (PMID: 34432543)
What helps autism symptoms?
Very few medications are proven—none for core autism symptoms, just 2 for irritability (risperidone, aripiprazole). CBD-rich cannabis is being explored but lacks controlled trials. Many families try it despite limited evidence.
Source: Pretzsch et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2022 (PMID: 34432543)
Is there research on marijuana for autism?
Yes, but it's preliminary—case reports and observational studies only. No placebo-controlled trials exist. Early evidence suggests CBD-rich cannabis may help irritability and sleep in ASD. We need more research.
Source: Pretzsch et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2022 (PMID: 34432543)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- No placebo-controlled trials of cannabis for ASD
- Observational studies have significant limitations
- Long-term safety unknown
- Optimal formulation and dosing not established
- May not apply to all ASD phenotypes
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Autism
This review highlights a difficult reality for ASD families: existing medications are limited and often have problematic side effects, while cannabis shows preliminary promise but lacks rigorous clinical trials. CBD-rich cannabis appears effective, tolerable, and relatively safe for symptoms like irritability and sleep problems in observational studies. However, without placebo-controlled trials and long-term safety data, cannabis remains an experimental option—one that some families find helpful while we await better evidence.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Autism, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
Condition Research
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This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Holdman R, Vigil D, Robinson K, et al. "Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared with Commonly Used Medications" Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2022. DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0154
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 24, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Autism
Does cannabis help autism?
Preliminary evidence suggests CBD-rich cannabis may help with ASD-related irritability and sleep problems. However, there are no placebo-controlled trials yet, so evidence is limited to case reports and observational studies.
Is CBD safe for autism?
CBD appears well-tolerated but unproven. Studies suggest CBD is relatively well-tolerated in ASD, but long-term safety is unknown. There are no approved cannabis products for ASD. Work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
What medications are approved for autism?
No medications are approved for core ASD symptoms. Only risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA-approved, and only for ASD-related irritability—not the core symptoms. This treatment gap has led many families to explore cannabis.