Best CBD Oil for Autism

If pharmacological treatment fails to manage your child’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, you may want to consider alternative treatment options for autism. At CBD Clinicals, we help you find the best CBD oil for autism that may help improve your child’s overall wellness and quality of life.

Rating
Highlights

Editor's Choice

Spruce 750mg Lab Grade CBD Oil

4.8 out of 5
  1. Peppermint flavor masks any unpleasant taste
  2. Contains 25mg of CBD per dropper full
  3. Bottle includes a graduated dropper for correct serving measurement

Best CBD Purity

NuLeaf Naturals 900mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil

5.0 out of 5
  1. Natural remedy for various illnesses
  2. Product is full-spectrum whole-plant extract
  3. Contains naturally occurring synergistic cannabinoids and terpenes

Best High Potency

Spruce 2400mg Lab Grade CBD Oil

5.0 out of 5
  1. Maximum possible potency
  2. Each dropper full contains 80mg of CBD
  3. Conveniently fits in a 30mL bottle

Best Value

Avida Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture 500mg

4.6 out of 5
  1. Proprietary full-spectrum
  2. Developed using advanced AVIDA CORE Spectrum Technology
  3. Highest naturally occurring Phyto-cannabinoids and Terpenes with THC (<0.3)

Best Value

cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 1500mg

4.7 out of 5
  1. Made using only CBD sourced from medical hemp
  2. Available in many flavours
  3. Safe for daily use

Best THC Free

CBDistillery THC Free CBD Oil Tinctures

4.4 out of 5
  1. Do not contain THC
  2. Available in different potencies and sizes
  3. Brand has special deals and offers

Best Customer Rated

cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 750mg

4.4 out of 5
  1. THC-free
  2. Has plenty of flavours to choose from
  3. Totally vegan

Best For Beginners

NuLeaf Naturals 300mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil

4.6 out of 5
  1. Lowest concentration for CBD beginners
  2. Fully organic and lab-tested
  3. Full-spectrum

Best Flavor Range

Hemp Bombs 750mg CBD Oil

3.9 out of 5
  1. Has a wide range of flavours
  2. Safe to intake
  3. Get 20% off when you avail of their subscription

Best CBD Oil for Autism 2024

  1. Spruce 750mg Lab Grade CBD Oil Editor's Pick
  2. NuLeaf Naturals 900mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil Best Organic
  3. Spruce 2400mg Lab Grade CBD Oil Editor's Pick
  4. Avida Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture 500mg Best Seller
  5. cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 1500mg Best Natural Alternative
  6. CBDistillery THC Free CBD Oil Tinctures Best THC-Free
  7. cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 750mg Best Customer Rated
  8. NuLeaf Naturals 300mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil Best Starter
  9. Hemp Bombs 750mg CBD Oil Best Flavor Range


Compare the best CBD for Autism in 2021

Product Potency Purity Customer Service Type Extraction Transparency Absorption
Spruce 2400mg Lab Grade CBD Oil
4.8 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
NuLeaf Naturals 900mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Spruce 2400mg Lab Grade CBD Oil
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Avida Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture 500mg
4.6 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 1500mg
4.7 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
CBDistillery THC Free CBD Oil Tinctures
4.4 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 750mg
4.4 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
NuLeaf Naturals 300mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
4.6 out of 5
2.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Hemp Bombs 750mg CBD Oil
3.9 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
2.5 out of 5
3.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5

Best CBD Oil for Autism

1. Spruce 750mg Lab Grade CBD Oil
cbdc overall score

4.8

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Mid-strength

No other flavors

Natural peppermint flavor

Made from 100% organic and natural ingredients

Overview

Each bottle of the 750mg CBD oil tincture contains 25mg of CBD per dropper full. The oil is peppermint flavor to mask any unpleasant tastes related to CBD.

2. NuLeaf Naturals 900mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
cbdc overall score

5.0

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Pure CBD hemp

No other flavors

All natural

Approximately 300 drops total

Overview

Natural remedy for various illnesses. NuLeaf Naturals’ CBD oil is a whole-plant extract containing a full spectrum of naturally occurring synergistic cannabinoids and terpenes.

3. Spruce 2400mg Lab Grade CBD Oil
cbdc overall score

5.0

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Extra Strength

Tastes bitter

No artificial flavoring or colors

No THC-free option

Made from 100% organic and natural ingredients

Overview

The largest bottle of CBD oil that Spruce offers contains 2,400mg of CBD. This is full-spectrum CBD oil, which is the maximum possible potency. Each high potency dropper full contains 80mg of CBD. There are no flavorings in it, which allows for the most CBD to fit in the 30ml bottle.

4. Avida Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture 500mg
cbdc overall score

4.6

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Light Spearmint flavor

No other flavor

Non-THC, Non-detected in drug test

Overview

Avida Extracts Full Spectrum CBD oil is the latest iteration of the brand’s advanced Avida CORE Spectrum technology. They use a proprietary full spectrum blend, resulting in the highest naturally occurring Phyto-cannabinoids and Terpenes with THC (<0.3) to support your health.

5. cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 1500mg
cbdc overall score

4.7

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Various delicious flavors to choose from

cbdMD uses MCT as its carrier oil so individuals who are allergic with coconuts should consider other brand options

Has vegan, organic, and gluten-free ingredients

Free shipping for this particular product within USA

World-class customer service team

Overview

cbdMD’s CBD oil tinctures are made using only CBD sourced from medical hemp and MCT oil as a carrier oil. Tinctures are offered in orange, mint, natural, and berry flavors. Safe for daily use, the oil tinctures are packaged with a built-in rubber dropper to adjust CBD dosage easily. The packaging is made to be easy to transport and discreet to use.

6. CBDistillery THC Free CBD Oil Tinctures
cbdc overall score

4.4

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

Dropper is a bit shaky

Various strengths

Oil extracted from aerial plant parts of US grown industrial hemp

Sourced from non-GMO industrial hemp grown in the USA through natural farming practices

Overview

CBDistillery’s Isolate CBD Oil Tinctures harness the power of pure CBD. CBD Isolate Oil Tinctures include 0.0% THC. When you use CBDistillery CBD Isolate Oil Tinctures, you can be assured you’re using the highest quality CBD on the market.

7. NuLeaf Naturals 300mg Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
cbdc overall score

4.6

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Pure CBD hemp

No other flavors

All natural

A bit pricey compared to competitors

Approximately 100 drops total

Overview

This is one of several concentrations from NuLeaf Naturals. As the lowest concentration, it is the company’s best option for those new to CBD oil. The product is lab-tested and fully organic. It is full-spectrum, so it contains THC in small quantities.

8. cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture Natural 750mg
cbdc overall score

4.4

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Vegan and Gluten free

Does not ship internationally

Has a third-party lab test

Wide variety of CBD strengths and sizes

Overview

A 750mg bottle of cbdMD’s Broad Spectrum Oil Tincture does not contain THC. It also has a fairly wide flavor range which is perfect for those who prefer other taste. Vegan consumers are considered since cbdMD offers Vegan products. Aside from all of that, another reason why people love cbdMD is because it’s free from harmful chemicals.

9. Hemp Bombs 750mg CBD Oil
cbdc overall score

3.9

CBDC Evaluation Table/Score
Potency

Purity

Customer Service

Type

Extraction

Absorption

Transparency

Pros Cons

Wide variety of flavors

Incomplete information about the product

Lab test results are complete

Does not ship to all international countries

30-day money-back guarantee

Overview

Hemp Bombs offer CBD Oil Tinctures that come in a 30ml bottle containing 750mg of CBD. They provide a wide range of flavors perfect for those that have a knack for sweets. Consumers can safely intake this because it’s free of chemicals and pesticides. Hemp Bombs also offer a 20% off on products upon subscription.

How We Rank
Our Ratings

How CBD Helps With Autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism is a developmental disorder that may cause communication, social, and behavioral challenges(1)

Autism is also dubbed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because of the wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms autistic patients experience(2). Some professional organizations, including The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommended that all children be tested for autism(3).  

Symptoms of ASD include social communication and social interaction difficulties, and repetitive behaviors(4). According to a study from the Neurology journal, ASD patients may also experience sleep disturbances(5).

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates a wide range of bodily functions. Its effects are mainly expressed through two cannabinoid transmitters: the CB1 and CB2 receptors(6).

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that may be found in cannabis plants.

According to a 2015 study, medical researchers noted that the ECS played a crucial role in various human health conditions and diseases in the central nervous system. The researchers observed that the ECS may affect brain development and social reward responsiveness, which are essential in treating ASD(7).

In a 2019 study, patients with ASD received CBD to reduce the comorbidities related to the medical condition(8). In the study, the authors observed 53 subjects who experienced significant improvement in various health issues, including rage attacks, self-injury, hyperactivity, sleep disorders, and anxiety.

Meanwhile, in a 2017 animal study, researchers noted that influencing the CB1 receptor of the ECS may improve social skills and produce cognitive effects in animals with ASD(9). A study also observed that CBD may be a potent CB1 receptor antagonist(10).

Receptor agonists are drugs that help boost receptor activity. Meanwhile, antagonists are drugs that reduce the receptor’s ability to be activated(11)

The studies above suggested that CBD may interact with the ECS, making the cannabinoid a potential alternative treatment for ASD.

Alternative Treatment Options for Autism

Information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shows that medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients may also be used to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in ASD patients(12).

According to a 2008 Journal of Clinical Investigation study, atypical antipsychotics are considered indispensable in managing the symptoms of ASD(13).

Atypical antipsychotics, also known as second-generation antipsychotics, are differentiated from traditional or first-generation antipsychotics based on their clinical profile(14)

Findings from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) showed that atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects than conventional antipsychotics(15)

However, second-generation antipsychotics also come with adverse effects. These side effects include diabetes, weight gain, myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), and agranulocytosis (dangerously low white blood cell count)(16)

The 2008 Journal of Clinical Investigation study observed the efficacy of two antipsychotic medications: haloperidol and risperidone(17). The study focused on the medications’ effect in treating behavioral symptoms associated with autism, including self-injury, aggression, and anger.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both haloperidol and risperidone for children with ASD. However, the drugs may also cause side effects, including weight gain and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the jaw, lips, and tongue)(18).

These drawbacks may cause more individuals to look for alternative treatment options for ASD, such as dietary supplements, diet modifications, and natural remedies, like CBD.

However, a 2019 study stated a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of using any nutritional supplement or dietary interventions for children with ASD(19)

The authors of the 2019 study noted that future investigations into the effects of supplements in ASD patients are still needed(20).

According to a 2018 research from the Physiology & Behavior journal, a modified gluten-free ketogenic diet incorporated with a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil may improve the core symptoms of ASD(21)

CBD may also serve as a treatment option for patients with ASD. Medical researchers observed that CBD interacted with the ECS to trigger positive responses that may benefit ASD patients(22).

Benefits of Using CBD for Autism

Most CBD brands source the CBD of their products from industrial hemp. The cannabinoid is non-psychoactive, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant.

The cannabinoid is also legal in some states. The FDA has also approved the use of a few CBD-based products, including Epidiolex(23).

Epidiolex is an anti-seizure medicine for rare forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The FDA greenlighted the use of the medication for patients two years of age and older(24).

A recent study stated that CBD-enriched treatment of ASD patients may help manage the behavioral symptoms of the disorder(25).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report on CBD, the cannabinoid had a good safety profile and was generally well-tolerated in humans(26).

The WHO report detailed how clinical studies show that even high CBD doses do not cause THC-like effects, such as increased heart rate(27). The WHO report also cited a study where researchers administered 200mg of CBD to human participants, which did not trigger any motor or psychomotor impairment.

Meanwhile, a 2017 study noted that even a high CBD dose of 1,500mg had repeatedly shown to be well tolerated by humans(28).

Other Health Benefits of CBD

The WHO report also cited studies stating that CBD had neuroprotective (nerve cell function protection),  anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), analgesic (pain-relieving), hypoxia-ischemia (proper blood flow to organs), antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, and antipsychotic effects(29).

Meanwhile, several studies also looked at the potential benefits of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid in drug addiction treatments.

According to the WHO report, preclinical studies noted that CBD may help people recover from psychostimulant, cocaine, and opioid addiction(30).

According to preliminary data, the cannabinoid may help treat tobacco and cannabis addiction in humans. Still, researchers noted that further research is required to evaluate CBD’s potential as a cure for drug addiction(31).

Cannabinoids may also help relieve chronic pain in migraine patients. According to a study published in 2019, researchers noted that 88.3% of the chronic migraine patients who participated in the study had fewer headaches and experienced improvements in their anxiety symptoms, sleep, and mood after consuming medicinal cannabis(32).

The medical researchers also noted that the migraine patients who received the 20:1 THC to CBD ratio experienced fewer headaches than the patients consuming the 1:1 THC to CBD ratio(33).

In a 2018 review, researchers also noted that cannabis-derived products, such as cannabis oil, possess therapeutic benefits, especially in improving migraines(34).

A survey also noted that some oncologists consider cannabis use to help cancer patients. In 2018, 67% of oncology doctors answered a survey and stated that medical marijuana may help provide pain relief(35)

Meanwhile, in a 2014 study, medical researchers stated that cannabinoids may help block spinal, peripheral, and gastrointestinal mechanisms, which may cause fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, headache, and irritable bowel syndrome(36).

According to WHO, CBD may also improve muscular tension, restlessness, fatigue, social anxiety, and concentration problems in animal models. The report also stated that the cannabinoid may also reduce the symptoms of social anxiety in patients(37).

Meanwhile, a 2017 study demonstrated that cannabinoids may have the potential to treat insomnia(38). In another 2017 study, medical researchers suggested that CBD may help patients with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorders(39)

According to Colorado-based research, giving CBD oil to patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may improve the patients’ mental health by reducing anxiety and insomnia. The five-month study noted that the use of CBD may reduce the PTSD patients’ scores on the sleep scale and the anxiety scale(40).

In a 2017 animal study, medical researchers observed that CBD may treat traumatic brain injury (TBI) in animal models. Another research stated that using CBD may provide long-term neuroprotection in newborn rats with hypoxia-ischemia (HI) brain injury(41).

According to WHO, human studies on CBD’s effects demonstrated that the non-psychoactive cannabinoid may possess neuroprotective properties that may help treat patients with inflammatory diseases and Alzheimer’s disease(42)

Medical researchers also stated that CBD possessed antidepressant properties. In a recent study, medical researchers noted that cannabinoids may play an essential role in developing new therapeutic strategies in mental disorders, such as anxiety and schizophrenia(43).

Despite the vast number of published studies about CBD, medical professionals call for more research on the cannabinoid. The limited studies on the medicinal benefits of CBD oil highlight the need for further analysis.

Recent medical studies about CBD suggested that the cannabinoid may play crucial roles in managing a wide range of medical conditions. With further research, medical professionals may understand how CBD affects autistic patients.

Risks of Using CBD for Autism

In a 2019 study, medical researchers observed that CBD may improve the symptoms of autism. However, the authors noted that the long-term effects of CBD use should still be evaluated in large scale studies(44).

CBD also comes with possible side effects, with the most notable ones being vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, and diarrhea(45).

The CBD market also remains unregulated by the FDA, making unreliable products more difficult to spot. If you plan to use the cannabinoid to manage ASD symptoms, you must first consult a doctor, particularly a medical professional experienced in medical cannabis use.

CBD Consumption Methods and Dosage

Administration Routes

Currently, one of the most popular CBD products is CBD oil. CBD oils are often available in three forms: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD, also known as whole-plant CBD, has the full chemical profile of the raw hemp plant material. Full-spectrum CBD oil has various phytocannabinoids, including CBD, terpenes, and THC.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD, much like full-spectrum CBD, has a wide array of phytocannabinoids from hemp plants. The main difference is that THC is removed from the oil completely.

CBD isolate, or pure CBD, has one phytocannabinoid only: CBD. All other compounds from the raw hemp plant are removed from the oil.

Some CBD brands and dispensaries also offer the cannabinoid in tablets or capsules, which may be taken just like a dietary supplement. Other products are sold as edibles, such as CBD gummies, CBD cookies, and CBD brownies.

Below are some of the most common methods of administering CBD:

  • Ingesting CBD (for capsules, tablets, or other edibles)
  • Sublingual (placing CBD oil under the tongue) method (for CBD oil, CBD tinctures, hemp oil, and hemp extract)
  • Applying CBD topicals directly onto the skin (for CBD balms and other CBD topicals)
  • Inhalation (for CBD vapes or CBD wax)

One of the most common administration methods for CBD is vaping. 

According to a 2018 study, the effects of the pulmonary administration of cannabinoids may be felt within a few minutes of the first dosing, with these effects increasing over time. Medical researchers noted that the peak plasma concentration was reached 10 minutes after CBD administration and was maintained for three to five hours(46).

Peak plasma concentration pertains to the highest concentration of a drug in the body after dosing(47).

In another 2018 study, medical researchers observed that after vaping CBD, the user may experience the cannabinoid’s highest plasma concentrations three minutes after dosing(48).

However, a recent study noted that increased vape use in the US resulted in more cases of vaping-related pulmonary problems(49).

Another standard method of administering CBD is the sublingual method or the use of a dropper to place CBD oil directly under the tongue. 

According to a 2002 study, researchers showed that CBD oil had a sublingual bioavailability of 13% to 19%(50). Bioavailability determines the rate and extent at which a compound is absorbed and becomes readily available for the body to break down(51)

You may also opt for the transdermal route of CBD administration. You can mix CBD into other transdermal products, including salve, cream, lotion, or balm, or buy CBD-infused products of the same formats.

In a 2016 study published in the European Journal of Pain, the researchers noted that one of the major advantages of the transdermal route of CBD administration is that it bypasses the first-pass metabolism, which results in a more constant plasma level(52). The first-pass effect is the early metabolization of medication, reducing the drug’s concentration before it arrives on its intended site of action(53).

According to a 2018 study, medical researchers noted CBD’s half-life 24 hours after an intravenous administration, while they recorded the half-life of the cannabinoid 31 hours after pulmonary administration(54)

Meanwhile, researchers recorded the half-life of CBD between 1.4 hours and 10.9 hours after an oromucosal (surface of the mouth) administration route(55). The authors noted that the half-life of CBD is two to five days after an oral administration.

Dosage

Researchers have yet to conclude how much CBD oil should be administered to a patient with ASD. You must visit your doctor to inquire about safe CBD dosing before using CBD to treat autism.

Most CBD brands also offer a recommended dosage for each of their products. These companies usually advise taking small amounts of CBD and slowly increasing the dosage until you achieve the effects you want. 

Choosing the Right CBD Product for Autism

Despite the potential health benefits of using CBD oil, parents and pediatricians must know how to determine the right product for autistic children, particularly its quality.

Hemp-based CBD possesses high concentrations of CBD and typically does not have THC, although this is not always the case. Meanwhile, cannabidiol extracted from marijuana plants usually contains THC.

Most individuals find it challenging to introduce the psychoactive cannabinoid to their children, making CBD products sourced from hemp plants the best choice.

When choosing CBD products intended to treat autism, it is important to opt for the most suitable item for the patient.

You must obtain third-party lab testing reports or a certificate of analysis (COA) as these documents show that the CBD product has been tried, tested, and made from high-quality ingredients and organic hemp.

You must also seek medical advice from a reputable physician to know if CBD may interact or interfere with other existing ASD medications.

Research on state regulations concerning CBD use to avoid legal problems.

Reading up on customer reviews concerning a CBD retailer also helps. Check what previous buyers have to say about the product’s quality and authenticity. 

You must also purchase high-quality products made from non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) ingredients to ensure safety. Inspect the product label to see if the product contains additives.

You may also check the COA to ensure that the product is free from harmful substances, such as residual solvents and heavy metals.

Legality of CBD

In the United States, hemp production is legal at the federal level under the 2018 Farm Bill. The then President Donald Trump signed the bill to remove hemp and hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% of THC from the list of Schedule I controlled substances(56).

The Schedule I controlled substances are medications with high misuse potential(57)

Although CBD is federally legal, you must first conduct thorough research about state CBD laws before purchasing CBD products. As of December 2020, the FDA still has not regulated the production and the marketing of CBD(58).

Although most states do not require patients to present a prescription when purchasing CBD products, some states, like Alabama, still require a prescription to possess or use CBD products(59).

Product Frequently
Asked Questions

  • How can CBD help with autism?

    In a 2015 study, medical researchers observed that the ECS played an essential role in various human health conditions in the central nervous system, including ASD(60). A 2017 animal study also noted that introducing compounds like CBD may influence the CB1 receptor of the ECS, producing cognitive effects in animals with ASD and improving their social skills(61).

  • What research exists that suggests CBD’s benefits in autistic patients?

    In a recent study, medical researchers noted that administering CBD to patients with ASD reduced the comorbidities associated with the medical condition(62). In the study, 53 subjects experienced significant improvement in various ASD symptoms, including sleep disorders, rage attacks, self-injury, hyperactivity, and anxiety.

  • Can CBD make autism worse?

    According to a 2019 study, some ASD patients who received CBD experienced worsening symptoms due to the unsupervised removal of antipsychotics(63).

  • Will CBD interact with other autism medications?

    In the same study mentioned above, other subject patients experienced adverse effects due to drug-to-drug interactions between the prescribed cannabinoids and two other psychiatric medications(64).

  • Are there other treatments to consider alongside CBD to help with autism?

    In a 2018 study, medical researchers noted that a modified gluten-free ketogenic diet with a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil may improve the symptoms of ASD(65)

  • Do drug tests detect CBD use?

    According to a Mayo Clinic Proceedings review published in 2017, ingesting trace amounts of THC should not result in a positive drug test(66). Still, the frequent use of CBD products with THC may increase the THC level in the body, resulting in a positive drug test.

  • What is the CBD dosage for autism?

    Since there is no clear indication of how much CBD should be administered to a patient with ASD, it is recommended to seek medical advice before using CBD to treat autism.

  • Where can I buy the highest-quality CBD product?

    If you want the highest-quality CBD product for autism available, you must only purchase from brands with certification from the US Hemp Authority or accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The former awards certification to companies with the best CBD products, while the latter collates consumer reports and accredits brands with the best business practices.

  • Is CBD available online?

    Most CBD brands have online stores where customers may conveniently purchase CBD products.


  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
  2. National Institutes of Mental Health. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
  3. Hyman, S., Levy, S., & Myers, S. (2020). Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/145/1/e20193447
  4. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Fact-Sheet
  5. Buckley, A., Hirtz, A., Oskoui, M., Armstrong, M., Batra, A., Bridgemohan, C., Coury, D., Dawson, G., Donley, D., Findling, A., Gaughan, T., Gloss, D., Gronseth, G., Kessler, R., Merillat, S., Michelson, D., Owens, J., Pringsheim, T., Sikich, L., Stahmer, A., Thurm, A., Tuchman, R., Warren, Z., Wetherby, A., Wiznitzer, M., & Ashwal, S. (2020). Practice guideline: Treatment for insomnia and disrupted sleep behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Neurology, 94 (9). https://n.neurology.org/content/94/9/392
  6. Zamberletti E, Gabaglio M, Parolaro D. The Endocannabinoid System and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Insights from Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(9):1916. Published 2017 Sep 7. doi:10.3390/ijms18091916
  7. Chakrabarti B, Persico A, Battista N, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoid Signaling in Autism. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):837‐847. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0371-9
  8. Barchel D, Stolar O, De-Haan T, et al. Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities. Front Pharmacol. 2019;9:1521. Published 2019 Jan 9. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01521
  9. E. Zamberletti, et al. Op cit.
  10. Pertwee RG. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Br J Pharmacol. 2008;153(2):199‐215. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442
  11. Berg. K. & Clarke, W. (2018). Making Sense of Pharmacology: Inverse Agonism and Functional Selectivity. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, v.21(10). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165953/#
  12. NINDS. Op cit.
  13. Posey, D., Stigler, K., Erickson, C., & McDougle, C. (2008). Antipsychotics in the treatment of autism. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 118(1): 6–14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2171144/
  14. Willner, K., Vasan, S., & Abdijadid, S. (2020). Atypical Antipsychotic Agents. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448156/
  15. Ibid
  16. Ibid
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  18. Ibid
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  20. Ibid
  21. Lee, R., Corley, M., Pang, A., Arakaki, G., Abbott, L., Nishimoto, L., Miyamoto, R., Lee, E., Yamamoto, S., Maunakea, A., Lum-Jones, A., & Wong, M. (2018). A modified ketogenic gluten-free diet with MCT improves behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder. Physiology & Behavior, 188: 205–211. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5863039/
  22. D. Barchel, et al. Op cit.
  23. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms
  24. Ibid
  25. Bar-Lev Schleider, L., Mechoulam, R., Saban, N., Meiri, G., & Novak, V. (2019). Real life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy. Scientific Reports, 9: 200. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6336869/
  26. World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
  27. Ibid
  28. Iffland, K. & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Retrieved from https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2016.0034
  29. WHO. Op cit.
  30. Ibid
  31. Ibid
  32. Concussion Alliance. CBD and Cannabis Research. Retrieved from https://www.concussionalliance.org/cbd-research
  33. Ibid
  34. Ibid
  35. Ibid
  36. Ibid
  37. WHO. Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-Review Report, (2017). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
  38. Concussion Alliance. Op cit.
  39. Ibid
  40. Ibid
  41. Ibid
  42. WHO. Cannabidiol Pre-Review Report. Op cit.
  43. Calapai, G., Mannucci, C., Chinou, I., Cardia, L., Calapai, F., Sorbara, E., Firenzuoli, B., Ricca, V., Gensini, G., & Firenzuoli, F. (2019). Preclinical and Clinical Evidence Supporting Use of Cannabidiol in Psychiatry. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2509129. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6735178/
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  55. Ibid
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  64. Ibid
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