In an exciting development, a Brazilian study has highlighted cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential supplement in easing autism symptoms in children and young adults. Researchers from the University of São Paulo have found that oral CBD intake led to significant improvements in social skills, reduced aggression, and eased tantrums among young participants. This promising research, presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry, suggests that CBD could be incorporated into autism treatment plans alongside traditional therapies. However, experts remain cautious, calling for larger trials to confirm these findings.
Interest in CBD’s potential benefits stem from its role in activating endocannabinoids, compounds in the body that affect brain functions like mood and stress. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound found in cannabis, CBD does not induce a ‘high’. This property makes it an attractive option for treating various neurological disorders beyond autism, such as epilepsy, without the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use.
The study involved 276 children and young adults with autism aged between five and 21 years. Participants received CBD or placebos, starting with a low dose and increasing to test the compound’s effects. Alongside improved social interactions, the study noted moderate reductions in disruptive behaviors, enhanced sleep quality, and decreased anxiety. Nonetheless, the research also emphasized the need for larger, more rigorous studies to explore CBD’s role in autism more comprehensively. Additionally, the researchers acknowledged the high degree of variability in responses among participants and the limited number of studies available for review.
Given that autism affects approximately one in 36 children in the U.S., the potential introduction of CBD as a supplement is noteworthy. In Thailand, where awareness around autism has been growing, this development invites both medical interest and parental curiosity. The country continues to balance traditional and modern medicinal practices, often looking to innovations that align with cultural and clinical needs.
While CBD is seen as safe with no significant side effects reported, its sale and use are subject to regulatory frameworks. In the United States, medical cannabis is widely legal, but in places like the United Kingdom, access under prescription is limited to specific conditions. Thailand, having legalized medical cannabis, is uniquely positioned to explore this further, although legal and ethical considerations will play a crucial role in any policy development.
As Thai families and healthcare providers contemplate the future of autism management, the aspirations surrounding CBD provide a new avenue for exploration. For now, the call is clear: more research is needed to substantiate CBD’s safety and efficacy in the long term. Until such data become available, families and practitioners should approach CBD with cautious optimism, considering current treatment frameworks while anticipating future possibilities.