Autism and the Endocannabinoid System – Part 2

 

The endocannabinoid system in the body is considered as the reason for many disorders and recent researchers’ state that it might help in the treatment of autism. The chronic neuroinflammation can be eased with the help of the antioxidants which are present in the cannabis plant. Cannabis helps with mood and behavior of the patients in terms of emotions and aggressive outbursts. Cannabinoids are believed to remove the damaged brain cells and to improve the efficiency of mitochondria. With the help of CBD, children can be protected from the neurodegenerative diseases. Cannabinoids help the brain to achieve breakthroughs in learning, which also helps in gaining consciousness and better understanding. For the sleep issues, this can be addressed by bringing the endocannabinoid system into balance, ensuring proper health.

 

In a retrospective study performed by Dr. Aran¹, in Israel, assessed the safety, tolerability and efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) based medical cannabis, as an adjuvant therapy, for refractory behavioral problems in children with ASD. Sixty children with ASD (mean age was 11.8± 3.5, range 5.0–17.5; 77% low functioning; 83% boys) were treated with oral CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at a ratio of 20:1. The dose was up-titrated to effect (maximal CBD dose − 10mg/kg/d). Tolerability and efficacy were assessed using a modified Liverpool Adverse Events Profile, the Caregiver Global Impression of Change (CGIC) scale, the Home Situations Questionnaire–Autism Spectrum Disorder (HSQ-ASD) and the Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI). Results revealed that following the cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were much improved or very much improved (on the CGIC scale) in 61% of patients. The anxiety and communication problems were much or very much improved in 39% and 47% respectively. Disruptive behaviors, were improved by 29% from 4.74±1.82 as recorded at baseline on the HSQ-ASD to 3.36±1.56 following the treatment.

 

Parents reported less stress as reflected in the APSI scores, changing by 33! Therefore, based on these promising results, the researchers have launched a large, double blind, placebo controlled cross-over trial with 120 participants.

 

In another study done in Chile, South America², the researchers expanded on preclinical studies’ suggestion of a dysfunctional endocannabinoid system implicated in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 20 children and one adult patient were selected. Mean age: 9 years, 10 months (range: 26 mo-22 yo), 15 males. 66,7% of patients had significant improvement according to CGI-I and APSI. Most cases improved at least one of the core symptoms of ASD, including social communication, language, or repetitive behaviors. Additionally, sensory difficulties, food acceptance, feeding and sleep disorders, and/or seizures were improved in most cases. 71.5% of patients received balanced CBD:THC (1:1) extracts; 19.0% high-CBD (20:1); and 9.5% high-THC (1:4) extracts. Oral cannabis extracts were well tolerated. Two patients had more agitation and one had more irritability, effects that were solved by changing the strain. In this small series of ASD patients, oral cannabis extracts were dramatically more effective than conventional medicines. However, large randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in ASD.

 

Notice that the way the Chilean study addressed the three adverse reactions was by changing the strains that the patients were taking, therefore, it is paramount that the provider be aware of the different ratios and strains available at the local dispensaries.

 

In FL, this is what is available:

Curaleaf: 15:1

Grow Healthy: 18:1 and 14:1

Knox: 40:1

Liberty Health Sciences: 26:1 and 20:1

MÜV: N/A

Surterra: 12.5:1 and 5:1

The Green Solution: 16:1

Trulieve: 20:1 and 16:1

 

A pending U.S. clinical trial, that was scheduled to start in October of 2018 and finalize in September 2021 is studying the efficacy and safety of cannabidivarin (CBDV) in 100 children with ASD. We are all looking forward to the publishing of these results.

 

Now, let’s discuss the medicinal cannabis strains for the management of patients with autism!

 

• Blue Dream – A sativa-dominant hybrid and one that’s widely used among patients with autism, as well as PTSD. Many users tout Blue Dream to be the cannabis form of aspirin, which means that it should basically be in everyone’s medicine cabinet. LOL This is an excellent strain for daytime medication and can effectively suppress pain, discomfort, and all the symptoms of autism. Low doses of Blue Dream are recommended for the treatment of autism; to get the right low dose many parents turn to administering their children with tinctures of this excellent therapeutic strain.

 

• Green Crack – Has become a household name in the medical cannabis community because of its far-reaching therapeutic benefits especially in the treatment of autism. Green Crack does wonders for the mind, and despite being an energetic strain can help relax the muscles in a way that few other strains can. This strain is a well-loved medical choice because it does not lead to a mental crash once the effects fade away, so it’s gentle enough for those with autism, allowing them to gently ease in and out of the euphoria. Patients will also appreciate that Green Crack helps put them in a more focused mood, while feeling happy, euphoric, and uplifted.

 

• Charlotte’s Web – Is a legendary medicinal strain for numerous debilitating disorders, particularly epilepsy, anxiety, and autism. This sativa strain is a strong CBD, with just an average of .3% THC which means that patients won’t get a “high” with Charlotte’s Web but it will provide the patient with all the therapeutic benefits that they need. However take note when medicating with Charlotte’s Web; while for many cases it’s proven as an effective cure-all, some find no relief; it is best recommended to experiment with this at low to moderate doses and observe. When it does work, Charlotte’s Web has done miracles for countless cases, so it is definitely worth a try for cases of autism.

 

• Hindu Kush – This is a pure indica hailing from the mountain ranges for which it’s named after. Many patients of autism find great relief from medicating with Hindu Kush; i.e., its ability to induce a sense of calmness and tranquility is therapeutic for patients. Aside from autism, Hindu Kush is also known to be effective in treating pain, anxiety, depression, stress, and of course insomnia. Autistic patients can relax with the mellow, deep, yet euphoria it delivers. Because it’s a pure indica, Hindu Kush is recommended for medication only at night, helping autistic patients have a restful and deep slumber while helping them feel more refreshed the next day.