CBD may ease autism symptoms in children

Image Credit: © EKKAPON - stock.adobe.com.

New findings presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis extract may provide meaningful improvements in behavior and social interaction for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results come from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials and add to growing interest in the potential therapeutic role of CBD in managing ASD symptoms.¹

ASD affects about 3% of children and adolescents in the United States and roughly 1 in 100 children globally. The condition is characterized by difficulties in interpreting language and emotions, and behaviors such as rigid routines and repetitive actions. Treatment options remain limited, and many available interventions are not consistently effective.¹

Study design

The meta-analysis, led by Lara Cappelletti Beneti Branco of São Camilo University Center and the University of São Paulo, included 3 randomized controlled trials that enrolled a total of 276 participants. The average age of participants was 10.5 years, with an age range from 5 to 21 years. Most of the children and adolescents involved in the studies were male (78.3%).²

The trials investigated the effects of orally administered CBD cannabis extracts, with formulations containing minimal amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), typically in CBD to THC ratios ranging from 9:1 to 20:1. The initial dosage of CBD was 1 mg/kg per day, titrated up to 10 mg/kg per day over the course of the studies.²

Results

According to the results, CBD cannabis extract was associated with several improvements in core symptoms of ASD. Researchers reported statistically significant improvements in social responsiveness (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.75) and reductions in disruptive behavior (SMD = -0.36). Improvements in anxiety symptoms were also observed (SMD = -0.33), and there were non-significant trends toward better sleep quality. Across all three studies, the use of CBD cannabis extract showed a favorable safety profile and did not significantly increase adverse events compared to placebo.

Key findings from the study include:

• "CBD cannabis extract use shows moderate improvements in social responsiveness and small yet notable reductions in disruptive behaviours."
• "CBD cannabis extract significantly enhanced social responsiveness and reduced disruptive behaviour."
• "The use of CBD cannabis extract has a favourable safety profile as it did not increase adverse events compared to placebo."
• "There were no significant differences between adverse events in CBD cannabis extract versus placebo."

Despite these encouraging results, the authors noted limitations in the current evidence base, including the small number of trials, limited sample sizes, and some variability in study outcomes. Still, the findings support further exploration of CBD as part of the treatment landscape for ASD.

Conclusion

“The global population prevalence of ASD diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective,” said Lara Cappelletti Beneti Branco, lead investigator. “It is promising to see the effect of CBD cannabis extract on the study participants. However, there still needs to be considerable focus on further research with larger trials to clarify its efficacy and safety in managing ASD.”

Professor Geert Dom, president of the European Psychiatric Association, emphasized the impact of the disorder on families and clinicians alike.

“ASD can be extremely frustrating for all involved; parents of children and adolescents with the disorder, the treating clinicians and of course the children and adolescents themselves," said Dom. "A large part of this frustration is down to finding a viable treatment option that works to reduce symptoms. It is with delight that we see the results of this meta-analysis and we hope to see further research into this so we can move towards a solution to the unmet need within this community.”

References:

1. European Psychiatric Association. Cannabidiol therapy could reduce symptoms in autistic children and teenagers. Eurekalert. April 8, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1079031

2. Cappelletti Beneti Branco L, De Oliveira IB, Alves GAM, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Cannabis Extracts for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Abstract. Presented at: 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1079031