CBD for Autism: Therapeutic Promise?
What is CBD?
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is the active ingredient in cannabis that gives it all its relaxing and beneficial properties. Unlike THC (which is the psychoactive component), CBD has no negative effects on the body.
In France, as in most European countries, CBD is legal for sale and consumption. The only condition for it to be legal is that its THC level must always be less than 0,3%. This way, CBD offers you only the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, without the harmful effects of THC.
What form does CBD come in?
CBD can come in many different forms. The most commonly used are:
- CBD Flowers and Resins: CBD flowers and CBD resins can be consumed through a vaporizer. You can also incorporate them into your drinks and culinary preparations, provided you add a fat to promote the action of the cannabinoids.
- CBD e-liquids: With the rise of e-cigarettes, it's not uncommon to find vapers using CBD. It's one of the fastest ways to achieve the desired relaxation effects.
- CBD Oils: CBD oil can be consumed by ingestion, just like flowers and resins. You can also place a few drops directly under the tongue for faster action.
- CBD Edibles: The newest addition to the market is ready-to-use CBD-infused edibles. Accessible to everyone, this option allows you to consume CBD without worrying about dosage or consumption method.
- CBD capsules: For better control over consumption, some CBD enthusiasts prefer to use this pre-dosed form.
What is autism?
Asperger's syndrome, better known as autism, is not a mental illness. Contrary to popular belief, it is actually a neurodevelopmental disorder. Its pathological component is genetic, making it a condition with which one is born. It is neither contagious nor acquired.
A child or adult with Asperger's syndrome will not suffer from neurological disorders, but behavioral disorders are at the forefront of the symptoms. Indeed, difficulty maintaining social relationships, integrating into groups, or communicating is the primary cause of disability encountered in this condition.
But don't assume that people with autism are incapable! Quite the contrary, a large proportion of patients with Asperger's syndrome are excellent in multiple areas. Math, science, and art are exceptionally well-mastered by these individuals.
To alleviate symptoms and facilitate the social life of these patients, numerous studies are being conducted to prove the positive effects of CBD on autism. Indeed, this remarkable substance works by stimulating certain receptors that control behavioral disorders.
How does CBD work on the brain?
The human body is composed of receptors that act to alter brain function. These receptors respond to CBD by releasing certain neurohormones, as demonstrated by several studies on this substance. Although the mechanism of action has not been fully understood, two main receptors have been isolated:
- CB1 receptors: they are found in the nervous system, particularly in the brain.
- CB2 receptors: they affect the immune system and the digestive system .
Consuming CBD allows the substance to enter the bloodstream and be absorbed by these two organ sensors. Extensive studies have provided a better understanding of how CBD works in the body, particularly in people with autism.
Indeed, the endocannabinoid system is thought to play a major role in regulating the areas that are disrupted during this condition. This would explain the promising results obtained for alleviating the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. The areas where CBD is thought to act preferentially are: the cerebellum, the hippocampus, and the basal ganglia. These three areas of the central nervous system play a key role in regulating behavior.
Poor transmission of certain neurotransmitters may be responsible for the onset of the syndrome. Communication is the first manifestation altered by this disorder.
The role of the endocannabinoid system is thought to be partly responsible for the onset of autism. This is why researchers are investigating the possibility of CBD as a treatment for this condition.
Therapeutic Benefits of CBD for Autism
Today, a large number of studies are being conducted to find the Holy Grail that can treat children with autism. Although numerous therapies have been proposed, these are only molecules that alleviate the symptoms of the syndrome. CBD consumption is one of the symptomatic therapies offered for patients with behavioral disorders, sleep disorders , and even epileptic seizures.
A reduction in stress
Children on the autism spectrum are highly susceptible to stress and anxiety . These two emotions have a significant physical impact on social life. An anxious and stressed child is less open to communication and has a significantly lowered tolerance threshold for noise and crowds.
CBD is the ultimate anti-stress substance. Proper use in oil form can reduce stress and improve the quality of life of people suffering from this syndrome. Furthermore, proper follow-up of CBD therapy can allow those affected to gradually integrate into society, regardless of the severity of their autism. However, quality products must be chosen to achieve satisfactory results.
Scientific research is not yet complete to support the therapeutic power of CBD. However, some studies have shown that children with this syndrome are able to regain a degree of independence after a few months of taking CBD.
Better communication thanks to CBD
Thanks to its action on the brain's behavioral receptors, CBD is said to have a surprising effect on language disorders. Patients with autism are able to communicate more easily with those around them.
This effect is the most sought-after when using CBD to improve the quality of life of people with autism. Indeed, better communication would allow for easier integration into society.
Restful sleep and improved concentration
Sleep quality in Asperger's syndrome is significantly impaired. Recurring nightmares, insomnia, and even the inability to nap are often described by families of affected children. Concentration is also severely challenged. Stress and anxiety are major disruptors for children when performing tasks. For this reason, using an anti-stress and relaxant can improve both symptoms simultaneously.
The relaxation induced by CBD allows the child to fall asleep peacefully. Concentration is also improved after taking CBD.
Please note that there is no treatment to permanently cure autism. CBD can only alleviate certain symptoms of autism and provide relief for those who have to live with this condition on a daily basis.
