After returning from my trip to India, I read a 2021 article entitled Behavioral aspects and neurobiological properties underlying medical cannabis treatment in Shank3 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder by Shani Poleg and her colleagues. It is a study using a mice model of ASD to study the effects of medical cannabis, especially CBD-enriched, which is soaring in popularity for treatment of ASD. However, given that cannabinoids, including THC, may hurt the developing brain of patients who are largely young children. The article seeks to provide foundational research on a balance that would help ASD symptoms, but also avoid developmental harm.
Their primary findings are as follows. CBD-enriched cannabis oil did significantly curb the mice’s ASD-related behaviors (repetitive grooming and anxiety). The researchers also discuss the discovery of the involment of CB1R and glutamate in this. The “Intense World Theory” is a theory that attempts to explain the symptoms of ASD citing enhanced excitation/inhibition or that autistic people are hyper-excitable which causes behaviors attributed to ASD. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that requires a delicate balance with the inhibitory GABA to allow proper brain function. Lots of the CB1R receptor is found in several hyperexcitable regions of the brain and this receptor deals with glutamate. Interestingly, the treatment of CBD-enriched saw a notable decrease in glutamate levels which would imply a less excited brain which would provide a neurological explanation to the treatment’s effects. However, the CBD enrichment was found to be unnecessary in attaining this effect and rather a very small does of THC is what is actually need. This is significant as most doctors recommended the CBD-enriched version whereas this data shows that may be unfruitful.
Importantly, the researchers warn that the short- and long-term effects of a medical cannabis treatment, both with CBD or just a small dose of THC, are still largely unknown. Further research exploring these effects should be conducted, however CBD-enriched medical cannabis is already being used and recommended in ASD patients, usually young ones. First hand I know the struggle of trying to find something that works, something that helps. But it is important to not risk safety and preventing further damage when looking for new treatments. While treatment with medical cannabis is promising, we must first seek to be as informed as possible on its complete effects before giving it to young children.
Poleg, S., Kourieh, E., Ruban, A., Shapira, G., Shomron, N., Barak, B., & Offen, D. (2021). Behavioral aspects and neurobiological properties underlying medical cannabis treatment in Shank3 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Translational psychiatry, 11(1), 524. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01612-3
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