The endocannabinoid system and autism
It is known that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in the development of this disease. Although the connection between the endocannabinoid system and autism still needs further research, several studies have highlighted its importance for the treatment of this disorder. According to Scientists from Genoa, California and the Basque Country, malfunctioning of this system could be related to autism.
According to this study, when the CB1 receptor is activated, more oxytocin is created, which is responsible for rewarding the person for interacting with others.
Furthermore, oxytocin is said to mix with anandamide, the happiness molecule that activates cannabinoid receptors in the brain. In this way, stimulation of the endocannabinoid system helps autistic people not isolate themselves so much and feel better when interacting with others. Although until recently the role of CB2 receptors in the brain was considered irrelevant, recent studies confirm that they do play a more important role than we thought. For example, it has been discovered that CB2 receptors act as neuroprotectors and could contribute to the treatment of certain diseases, including autism.
What does science say about the relationship between CBD and autism?
He study The most important study carried out to date in this regard took place in 2017 in Israel and is pioneering in the field, as it gathers clear evidence that CBD could be an effective treatment for children suffering from autism. This study, led by the director of pediatrics at Share Zedek Hospital, Dr. Adi Aran, was carried out with 60 children who were administered CBD oil (20% CBD and 1%THC) for 7 months. After this period, the results were more than encouraging:
- The 80% of children showed a reduction in certain problem behaviors and a 60% revealed significant improvement.
- Half of the children showed significant improvement in communication.
- The 40% children experienced a decrease in anxiety levels.
Parents don't give up
One of the most high-profile cases about the relationship between cannabis and autism is that of Hester-Perez, a woman who became known to the public after the success that her autistic son Joey experienced with a variety grown by herselfSince she began treating her son's symptoms with marijuana, the mother has seen positive progress. She hasn't completely cured him, but her treatment has significantly improved his quality of life.
Hester-Perez began using cannabis when her son was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. By then, he was already taking 13 different medications, to which was added a cocktail of several drugs with documented toxicity. Looking for something less invasive, she began experimenting with cannabis infusions; soon, her son began making eye contact with her, had a greater appetite, and gained a few pounds.
After several years of treatment, Joey was happier and more sociable. Hester-Perez's subsequent media appearances raised awareness of her cause. She has become an essential resource for many families seeking advice on managing their children with autism.
Prescribing cannabis to autistic children?
In the United States, many doctors are still unsure what to do when prescribing cannabis to autistic children, as they find themselves in a kind of vicious cycle: they don't prescribe it because there are no studies on its effects, but the studies can't be done because there are fears about trying marijuana on children. Even so, the experiences of children who have tried cannabis products with their parents have shown that they are happier and healthier. In this sense, CBD It could be a very powerful weapon, since it does not cause any psychoactive effect and can be consumed in the form of oil, thus eliminating the negative effects of combustion.
Is there a relationship between autism and epilepsy?
Dr. Adi Aran, apart from presenting to the world the pioneering study on CBD and autism, has also conducted others on epilepsy, a disease that curiously affects the 20% (or 20%) of autistic children. There appears to be a clear relationship between these two disorders, as some evidence suggests that due to the type of brain development that occurs in children with autism, they are more likely to develop neural circuits that cause epileptic seizures.
Other researchers also suggest that the process could occur in reverse, meaning that one of the collateral damages of Dravet syndrome (refractory epilepsy) could be autism.
Perhaps the most famous case is that of Charlotte Figi, an American girl who became known in the cannabis world after her severe autism, caused by Dravet syndrome, improved with therapeutic marijuana. She suffered around 300 epileptic seizures a week until her parents began giving her daily doses of oil with a high concentration of CBD; her seizure rate dropped by 99%, and her relationships with others improved significantly.
A similar experience took place in Puerto Rico. In 2015, the story of Kalel Santiago, a then 9-year-old boy with autism who spoke his first words after taking cannabis oil, became known.
Although there is still a long way to go, studies such as that of Dr. Aran, and events such as the authorization in the United States of Epidiolex (a CBD extract), gives hope to many parents with children suffering from autism. CBD, once again, becomes a spearhead in the fight to legalize medical cannabis, Well, this cannabinoid is proof that this ancient plant has a lot to offer us. Perhaps it's time to put aside old prejudices that, increasingly, belong to the last century.
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