Compare the Best CBD Oil for Asperger’s Syndrome

How CBD May Help With Asperger’s Syndrome

Several studies and trials suggest that the use of CBD-enriched cannabis extracts or pure CBD may have therapeutic potential for autistic symptoms in epilepsy patients⁽¹⁾. Asperger’s syndrome is a group of disorders associated with autism.

Preliminary research showed that endocannabinoid signaling alterations may contribute to autism. One way to improve anti-social behavior associated with autism is to block the enzyme responsible for breaking down the endocannabinoid anandamide⁽²⁾.

Anandamide is a neurotransmitter in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors to regulate feeding behavior and generate pleasure and motivation.

CBD is purported to be able to block the same enzyme that breaks down the endocannabinoid anandamide⁽³⁾. This potential suggests CBD may help with autism. 

Additionally, compelling anecdotal evidence suggests cannabis may also help reduce self-harming behavior among children with autism spectrum disorder⁽⁴⁾.

Uses and Benefits of CBD for Asperger’s Syndrome

A study examined the effectiveness of CBD on patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)⁽⁵⁾. 

Results showed CBD may be effective in addressing some symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, including:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Behavioral disorders
• Motor deficits
• Autonomy deficits
• Communication and social interaction deficits
• Cognitive deficits
• Sleep disorders
• Seizures

Epidiolex is a pure–CBD medication approved by the FDA to treat several seizure disorders associated with epilepsy. Some studies suggest CBD may benefit individuals resistant to anti-epileptic drugs⁽⁶⁾.

CBD’s purported neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may help manage symptoms of various disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis⁽⁷⁾.

Other benefits of CBD include pain relief, help with anxiety and mood disorders, and alleviation of cancer-related symptoms⁽⁸⁾.

CBD Dosage for Asperger’s Syndrome

To date, there are no standard CBD dosage guides approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Asperger’s syndrome or ASD.

However, one recommendation is to take CBD starting with a lower dose⁽⁹⁾.

Factors that may affect CBD dosage include diet, exercise, health conditions, stress levels, and genetics⁽¹⁰⁾.

A 2019 study examined the effects of CBD-enriched Cannabis sativa plant extract on patients with ASD⁽¹¹⁾. The patients who participated in the trial were administered with CBD-enriched oral capsules.

Each capsule used in the study contained 25 milligrams or 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD and around 0.34mg or 0.68mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The average initial CBD dose was around 2.90mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Throughout the course of the study, the average CBD dose administered to the patients was 4.55mg/kg/day.

Results of the study suggest taking CBD following the above-mentioned dosage may help improve some of the symptoms of ASD. These symptoms include seizures, ADHD, sleep disorders, and social interaction deficits.

The FDA currently has not approved CBD as a treatment for ASD. If you know a person with ASD or has symptoms of ASD, you can recommend them for an appointment with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Take CBD Oil for Asperger’s Syndrome

Several methods of taking CBD oil for autism associated with Asperger’s syndrome include:

Oral administration: Orally-administered CBD passes through the digestive tract and metabolizes in the liver before being carried into the bloodstream.

Some oral products include CBD capsules and edibles such as CBD gummies, chews, and candies.

Topical application: Topical CBD products are usually applied to the skin for localized pain relief⁽¹²⁾.

Examples of topical CBD products include CBD creams, balms, ointments, and lotions are applied to the skin.

Sublingual administration: CBD oil products like tinctures and oils can be administered using droppers or oromucosal sprays administered sublingually or under the tongue.

The sublingual route is among the fastest methods to deliver CBD to the system. The compound bypasses the digestive tract and goes directly into the bloodstream.

Inhalation: Vaping administers CBD through inhalation. This method is among the fastest ways to deliver CBD into the body⁽¹³⁾.

However, users should be aware that vaping has potential health risks that may lead to lung disease⁽¹⁴⁾. Individuals with health issues must consult their doctor before vaping or smoking CBD.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Asperger’s Syndrome?

To date, there is no specific study that determines the time it takes for CBD to work for Asperger’s syndrome. 

Different CBD products and administration routes have varying onset times. The onset time and severity of a medical condition can affect an individual’s choice of therapy.

CBD taken through a sublingual, topical, or transdermal route will usually take effect in about 15 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, CBD administered through inhalation has an onset time of about 2 to 15 minutes⁽¹⁵⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Asperger’s Syndrome?

There is insufficient scientific data to date regarding the duration of CBD’s effects on Asperger’s syndrome.

In a 2018 study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology, researchers stated that CBD oromucosal sprays administered with 5mg to 20mg doses may have a half-life between 1.4 hours and 10.9 hours⁽¹⁶⁾.

Half-life is the period a drug takes to reduce its quantity or concentration within the body by 50%.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Aspergers

Several side effects of CBD use include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, and issues with coordination⁽¹⁷⁾.

Check the CBD product’s label for a grapefruit warning. A grapefruit warning means CBD may interact with other drugs, preventing them from metabolizing and getting absorbed by the body.

This warning originates from the effects of grapefruit juice on other drugs. Grapefruit juice blocks the CYP3A4 enzymes needed for drug metabolization⁽¹⁸⁾.

Some drugs that may be affected by CBD interaction include pain medications, antipsychotics, and antidepressants⁽¹⁹⁾.

Unmetabolized drugs may remain in the body longer. Too much medicine in the system can lead to more side effects.

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Asperger’s Syndrome

There are several considerations to determine the best CBD oil for Asperger’s syndrome. Examples include extraction methods and CBD product types.

Cannabis oil is usually extracted from hemp plants using carbon dioxide (CO2), ethanol, or hydrocarbon extraction methods.

After the extraction process, the CBD extract may then be marketed as either full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD oils are cannabis products containing all the compounds and cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, and flavonoids.

Flavonoids are plant compounds that contain antioxidant properties, while terpenes give plants their characteristic aroma.

When these compounds are combined, the effects of cannabinoids and other compounds become more significant than the sum of the benefits of each contributing part⁽²⁰⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oils usually contain similar contents as full-spectrum CBD oil without THC. Meanwhile, CBD isolates contain only pure CBD and do not have the other cannabinoids or compounds.

If you prefer cannabis products without the psychoactive effects of THC, consider broad-spectrum CBD oil or isolates as viable alternatives.

In choosing a high-quality CBD product for wellness, you may prefer those that are gluten-free or non-GMO. You may also consider looking for products made from organic hemp.

CBD products from reputable brands and pharmaceutical companies are usually provided with a certificate of analysis (COA). COAs are produced by third-party labs and show the actual CBD content of the product.

Additionally, third-party lab tests determine whether a product contains harmful contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals that may cause toxicity and health risks to consumers.

CBD brands selling quality products must be transparent by posting the COAs on their website. Individuals may review the COA to ensure the information on the product’s label matches the COA results. 

The FDA cautions consumers that CBD products marketed as food additives or dietary supplements are illegal.

Individuals interested in purchasing and using CBD must check their state’s laws to determine whether CBD or medical cannabis is legal in their area. Some states, such as Colorado, California, New York, and Washington, have medical cannabis programs⁽²¹⁾.

Legality of CBD

The enactment of the Farm Bill into law in 2018 removed hemp-based CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC from the controlled substances list of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The law also legalized industrial hemp cultivation.

However, CBD products containing THC levels of more than 0.3% are still illegal under federal law⁽²²⁾.

Most states have varying restriction levels on the legal use of CBD oil and medical marijuana. Check the laws in your state and review your CBD product’s THC content to determine whether CBD usage is legal in your area.

What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is the previous name for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)⁽²³⁾. ASD pertains to conditions affecting cognitive development, social interaction, motor skills, behavior, and communication.

ASD is a developmental disorder usually affecting young people. Patients with ASD may have difficulty managing their social skills. They often adhere to rigid routines and show narrow interests and repetitive behavior.

Autistic children may also display other symptoms of ASD, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety⁽²⁴⁾.