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Autism and associated disorders: cannabis as a potential therapy
Mariana Babayeva1, Haregewein Assefa2, Paramita Basu1
1Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|March 23, 2022
Summary
Medical cannabis shows promise for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Research suggests the endocannabinoid system, often dysfunctional in ASD, could be a therapeutic target for novel autism treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges, with limited approved treatments for core symptoms.
- Current pharmaceutical interventions for ASD are often off-label, highlighting an unmet medical need.
- The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating emotion and social behaviors, and its dysfunction is implicated in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis and its compounds for ASD.
- To explore the endocannabinoid system as a novel target for autism therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on medical cannabis, cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system in relation to ASD.
- Analysis of research on neurobehavioral and neurological conditions treated with cannabis-derived compounds.
Main Results:
- The endocannabinoid system is a promising target for developing new autism treatments.
- Cannabis and its compounds have demonstrated potential in managing neurobehavioral and neurological disorders.
Conclusions:
- Medical cannabis and related compounds warrant further investigation as a therapeutic strategy for ASD.
- Targeting the endocannabinoid system may offer a novel approach to managing ASD core symptoms and associated conditions.
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