Guide to CBD oil for Autism: Uses and Benefits
Have you read the news about the benefits of CBD oil for autism? Although scientific studies are in progress, families have reported that CBD oil can reduce stress and anxiety for those on the spectrum. It can also help with self-injurious behaviour, social anxiety, and aggression. What about medical marijuana as a way to alleviate autism symptoms? Continue reading to learn about the differences between these substances and the latest research.
Can CBD oil lead to weight gain?
CBD oil does stimulate appetite, but not in the way that medical marijuana can. Although the effects of CBD oil on weight are still not clear, clinical and anecdotal evidence suggests that it may suppress appetite. This could be due to an increase in metabolism. The most extensive research is currently in animal studies, where rats are treated with CBD. The link between CBD oil and weight in humans is being studied, but the results are not conclusive.
What is the difference between CBD oil and medical marijuana?
Let’s first review the differences between CBD oil and medical marijuana. CBD is one of the many compounds with medicinal properties found in cannabis plants. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD and mixing it with fractionated coconut oils. In the United States, CBD oil produced from industrial hemp or imported hemp is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol.
Medical marijuana contains cannabinoids similar to CBD oil, but it is produced differently and contains THC. Under federal law, marijuana and THC in the US are illegal. They are placed on the list of controlled substances. Recently, several state laws have been passed that allow medical marijuana to be legally available with a doctor’s prescription. Some states have gone one step further by making recreational marijuana use legal.
What are the possible risks of using CBD oil to treat autism?
Children can be administered the drug without any side effects, but there are some to be aware of.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Dry Mouth
- Anxiety, depression and
- Psychosis
The health benefits outweigh any side effects for most children. Always seek medical advice from a doctor with any questions regarding your child’s condition or treatment.
Can CBD oil help autism? — Can CBD help manage autism?
CBD oil, which is derived from hemp and contains only trace amounts of psychoactive THC (as opposed to medical marijuana containing THC), is not psychoactive and will not make your child feel “high”, unlike those who use THC-containing medicine.
CBD has a dual role in autism and anxiety. CBD oil can help children with autism with anxiety, aggression, and self-injurious behaviour. CBD oil is also helpful for children who have seizures and autism. Parents in states that do not allow medical marijuana report positive CBD oil effects on autism and epilepsy. Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive and is preferred by most parents over medical marijuana for their children.
Children with epilepsy can find relief from symptoms that are as good (or even better) than traditional anti-anxiety or anticonvulsant medication, with fewer side effects. Researchers are still trying to determine how CBD oil helps anxiety in autism. However, for many families, the anecdotal data is sufficient for now.
Why do so many parents use Charlotte’s Web?
Charlotte’s Web hemp extract is produced using whole plants that contain CBD, CBC and CBG. The product is produced under strict supervision from the seed to the bottle. They not only extract the oil using flowers and stems but also test and clean soils of heavy metals before planting. Charlotte’s Web was named after a girl named Charlotte Figi who had epilepsy and reduced her seizures from hundreds per week to a few each month using the oil.
Can CBD oil reduce aggression in autism?
Anecdotal reports have been positive since parents began using CBD oil for their children with autism to ease aggression. Parents report that children who were previously unreachable in fits of rage can now use calming techniques. Other parents report a decrease in physical violence.
Lester Grinspoon MD, in 2010, urged doctors that they should take the anecdotal evidence of CBD oil’s effects on aggression seriously and to conduct more medical research. Researchers are focusing on the causes of autism aggression, rather than directing research efforts to find ways to manage aggression.
CBD oil is an option that many families have found helpful for children with autism who are experiencing strong emotions. Scientists will be able to better understand how CBD oil interacts with a child’s brain as more research on medical marijuana and CBD oil is done.
Autism and epilepsy: Benefits of both
Scientists think that autism and epilepsy are closely related. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Recent studies by the American Epilepsy Society report that 30% of children with autism have epilepsy. Scientists believe that these seizures could be caused by differences in brain development. This can cause cells and neurons to act abnormally. CBD oil is believed to have anticonvulsant qualities that can help those with epilepsy and seizures.
According to CBD International, these properties act on different targets in the brain, such as the GATA system, receptor agonists and antagonists of the Glutamate receptor, calcium ion channel, and sodium ion channel. Anticonvulsants can affect neurotransmitters that send messages, or they may attach to neurons. The goal is to change the activity of the cells by changing the flow of ions into and out of the neurons.
CBD oil for Autism — Is it safe to give to children?
The laws surrounding CBD are very different, so it is important to confirm with your child’s physician that CBD oil is legal. Be on the lookout also for fake CBD oils that contain a synthetic compound that can make people sick.
Where can I buy Cannabidiol CBD?
The health and safety of their child is the primary concern for every parent. You need to choose a high-quality oil to ensure your child’s experience with CBD oil is as positive as possible. CBD oil is largely unregulated so it is up to parents to do their research and choose the best CBD. A dispensary that has a good reputation and is licensed to sell medical marijuana in your state is the best place to find oil for your child.
How much CBD oil should I give to my child who has ADHD and autism?
There is very little research done on the best CBD dosage for autism. It will take some time to find out what works for your child. However, it may be easier for them than traditional prescription medications. Most side effects are reported to be less severe than those associated with antidepressants and anxiety medications. You can ask your child’s doctor how to use hemp oil as a treatment for autism. The dosage is measured in “drops.”
The number of drops you should give to your child depends on how potent the cannabis oil is and what symptoms your child has. You can contact your child’s doctor to determine the amount of oil that is safe to give your child. If you are concerned about how your child is reacting, please let them know. Your child’s doctor will tell you how much CBD oil is safe for your child and what dosage to use.
Do I need to get a prescription from my doctor for CBD oil and will insurance cover it?
Your child does not require a prescription to purchase CBD oil. Your doctor can assist you in identifying the right product for your child. CBD oil is available at health food stores if medical marijuana has not yet been legalized in your area. CBD oil for autism comes in many varieties. Be sure to check out the reviews and ethics of the company before choosing the best one for your child.
Children with ASD can benefit from additional medications that are traditionally prescribed.
A study was published in 2008 by the Journal of Clinical Investigation. It described atypical antipsychotics as “indispensable for the treatment of autism symptoms.” The study looks at the effectiveness of haloperidol in treating common behavioural symptoms associated with autism, including anger, aggression, and self-injurious behaviour. The study concludes that medications can be used to alleviate these symptoms when behavioural interventions fail, but cautions that side effects should also be taken into consideration.
Weight gain, hyperprolactinemia, (elevated serum levels of prolactin), sedation and adverse cognitive effects are the most common side effects. (Posey et al., Stigler et al., Erickson & McDougle 2008) Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved these medications to be used in children with autism some parents remain concerned about these possible side effects.
Can a child with autism get too much CBD oil?
Many experts claim that CBD oil cannot be overdosed. However, it’s important to pay attention to the dosage to avoid unpleasant side effects like nausea/vomiting or diarrhea. For safety, always discuss dosage with your doctor.
