Can Cannabis, Which Shows Promise Against Epilepsy, Also Help with Autism?
Only two medications have been approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the symptoms of autism. Both are antipsychotic drugs that are not always effective and carry serious side effects.
But a new study in Israel is trying to confirm anecdotal evidence that Cannabidiol (CBD) is actually helpful for children with autism.
According the story in USA Today, recent trials in Israel showed that cannabis helped children with epilepsy by drastically reducing seizures and improving behavior for those who also have autism. Epilepsy afflicts about 30% of autistic children.
Israel is one of one of three countries along with Canada and the Netherlands that has a government-sponsored cannabis program. More than 110 cannabis clinical trials are currently underway in Israel.