New study shows positive results for cannabis in treating autism

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Ongoing research is identifying the benefits cannabis offers those with autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common developmental disorder involving dysfunctional social skills and abnormal cognitive function. In recent years the use of cannabis as a treatment for autism has become widespread, with many families reporting very good results. A new study comes to make this possibility even more concrete, after finding positive results when applying cannabis to people suffering from this condition.

Neurotech International, an Australian biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of neurological solutions, wanted to understand the relationship between ASD and cannabis. After conducting a clinical study on the formulation of medical marijuana as a treatment for pediatric ASD, the company revealed very positive results.

In order to conduct the research, Neurotech said it used the NTI164 strain, which contains high levels of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and other minor cannabinoids. The study followed a total of 20 patients, ranging in age from 8 to 17, with both level II and level III ASD. The findings indicated that more than 90% of the patients saw considerable improvement in symptoms after 28 days of starting daily treatment.

Of note, only 14 of those 20 patients were “active.” The result indicated that 64% showed an overall improvement of “much improved,” 29% showed an overall improvement of “minimally improved,” while the remaining 7% showed no change as such. Among the behavioral aspects that were examined were irritability, anxiety, participation, hyperactivity, mood, and self-stimulation. It was also reported that no major adverse events related to the use of NTI1647 were noted.

“We are encouraged by the efficacy shown by NTI164 in this trial and we are looking forward to the extension of this trial, in addition to the planned initiation of a Phase II/III trial, to further assess the long-term safety and efficacy of NTI164 with the potential to lead to drug registration,” said chief investigator professor Fahey, Monash Children’s Hospital.