Exploring the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis use in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: systematic review

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions defined by significant communication and social interaction difficulties. Recently, medical cannabis has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties, particularly in managing core ASD symptoms [1]. Despite this interest, research remains preliminary, with unresolved questions about which cannabinoids are beneficial, safe dosing, and long-term impacts [2]. The varied clinical presentation of ASD further complicates efforts to identify subgroups that may benefit most from medical cannabis therapy [3]. Ethical and legal considerations also require careful regulation and medical oversight to prioritise patient safety [4]. Overall, while the field is promising, rigorous scientific evidence and strong ethical and regulatory frameworks are essential to advance care for individuals with ASD [5].

Aim: To investigate the positive influence of medical cannabis use in ASD, exploring how this approach might mitigate communication and social interaction challenges, thus improving quality of life for affected individuals.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the therapeutic effects of medical cannabis in patients with ASD. The review focused on studies published between 2018 and 2023, identified in the PubMed database using search terms such as “Autism Spectrum Disorder”, “medical cannabis”, and “therapeutic effects”. Only clinical and experimental studies published in English were included. Selected studies were analysed based on dosage, method of administration, and clinical outcomes. Methodological quality was appraised using the GRADE framework to ensure reliability and comparability.

Results and Discussion: Of the 23 studies initially retrieved from PubMed, 6 met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. These studies provided insights into the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis for individuals with ASD, particularly regarding improvements in behaviour, social interaction, and communication. Variability in response was observed, influenced by factors such as age, ASD symptom severity, and genetic backgrounds. Some studies reported benefits in specific ASD subgroups, while others noted adverse effects, highlighting the complexity of the treatment response and the need for personalised approaches. While some findings offer support for medical cannabis in enhancing communication and social skills, methodological differences—such as sample diversity and varied administration methods—produced mixed results, underscoring the need for more standardised research. The inclusion of studies from various geographical regions was considered a strength, as it increased the generalisability of the findings. Overall, available evidence points to the potential of medical cannabis as a therapeutic aid in ASD, though further investigations are warranted to establish safe, effective, and individualised treatment protocols.

Conclusion: Medical cannabis has shown potential as a treatment for ASD, but results vary due to methodological differences and patient characteristics. It is essential to standardise interventions and further explore therapeutic effects to ensure a safe and effective approach. Future research should focus on developing clear guidelines and administration protocols, as well as fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to advance understanding and treatment of ASD