CBD Oil For Asperger’s Syndrome 2023: Does It Help?

There is promising research being done on the use of cannabis and CBD oil to treat symptoms of Asperger Syndrome and other forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some of the symptoms that could be alleviated include stress, anxiety, social communication, and repetitive behaviors.

When choosing a CBD oil for Asperger Syndrome, there are some factors you need to consider such as hemp and CBD strain quality, full-spectrum or isolate extraction method, and manufacture testing.

The Line Up At A Glance

What does the research say?

Legal medical cannabis in the US is still fairly new, so it has been difficult to approve or fund studies until recently. While CBD is legal in all 50 states, federal law still classifies marijuana (even medical marijuana) and its derivatives as illegal. 

That being said, there is one FDA-approved cannabis-derived drug, Epidiolex. It is being used to treat people with autistic disorders who are suffering from seizures, epilepsy, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Because of its success, there is growing support for studies to explore the relationship between CBD and autism.  

There is growing scientific evidence showing that pure CBD and CBD-enriched Cannabis sativa is effective^[2] in patients with autism who suffer from epilepsy and the greatest improvements are seen in treating seizures, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders, and communication and social interaction disorders. 

How does CBD work on Aspergers?

CBD is derived from the industrial hemp plant and can help alleviate^[3] symptoms of Aspergers such as stress, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral disorders by acting on specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain. 

Cannabinoid receptors in the brain

Studies suggest that cannabinoid signaling might play a role in social interaction and repetitive behaviors, like those seen in people with Aspergers and other types of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In people with Aspergers, it is possible that there is an imbalance^[4] in the cannabinoid receptors of their endocannabinoid system.

By treating the imbalanced cannabinoid receptors with CBD, it is feasible to restore the balance, addressing the core issue and alleviating some of the mood and behavioral problems suffered by people with autism.

It is important to keep in mind that while Aspergers is on the autism spectrum, treatment and response will vary by individual and factors include medical history, the severity of symptoms, and other medications.

Delivery method matters

Marijuana and Aspergers may seem like an odd or unsavory combination and many people are hesitant to turn to medical marijuana.  More research is needed but there is growing anecdotal evidence that says consuming CBD oil can help people with developmental disorders like autism.

For starters, the greatest benefit for people with Aspergers comes from one part of the cannabis plant, not the entire flower. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not evoke feelings of euphoria or intoxication. 

Secondly, consuming CBD in the form of an oil (rather than smoking a cannabis flower) can improve the body’s ability to absorb all the beneficial compounds. Typically, CBD is administered under the tongue, where it absorbs quickly into the bloodstream. Administering CBD oil orally is also easier and more appropriate for autistic children compared to, say, vaporizing. 

But not all cannabis oil is created equal and there are some factors you want to consider in choosing your CBD oil. 

How to choose CBD oil for Aspergers?

While CBD is legal in the United States, the Federal laws^[5] get murky when it comes to CBD. CBD is federally legal, as long as it is not being infused in food or labeled as a dietary supplement. 

Why does this matter? 

Because this means that CBD is not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But it doesn’t mean that no one is regulating CBD or holding it to a certain set of standards. Many states have taken matters into their own hands, developing their own regulations which can vary by state^[6]. Check the local regulations in your state concerning CBD sale and use before purchasing. 

Another factor to consider when selecting a CBD oil for Asperger’s (or any other purpose) is ensuring that the companies are reputable. Look for companies that are transparent in their ingredients and extraction process as well as third-party testing for purity and quality. 

Extraction process

The two most common methods for CBD extraction are ethanol and CO2 extraction. 

Ethanol extraction involved soaking the cannabis plant in ethanol to draw out the CBD and cannabinoids. The plant is then removed and the solution has to be further filtered and refined to separate the solvent. This is a very common method for most manufacturers as it is low cost and efficient. 

CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperatures to extract CBD. It is preferred by many consumers because it preserves and maintains the purity of CBD. However, it requires expensive equipment, so it may not be a cost-effective option for some manufacturers. 

Third-party testing

Third-party testing is a crucial indicator of quality and purity, as long as the results are made available to customers. It is not enough for a manufacturer to say that they use third-party testing. They must show what it is that they test for and the results for those tests. 

Third-party testing means that the CBD manufacturer sends a sample of their product to a lab to be tested for cannabinoid and terpene profiles, heavy metals, solvents, and biological contaminants. 

Remember that third-party testing is not required by law, so it is up to you to do your research^[7] and buy only from trusted, transparent CBD manufacturers. 

Other factors to consider when choosing a CBD oil are strain quality, full-spectrum or isolate, concentrate and dosage. It is recommended that you consult your physician before using CBD or other dietary supplements. 

Strain quality

When choosing a CBD oil, you want to select a product that has low or zero THC and high CBD. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the euphoric, high feeling associated with cannabis. In order to be in compliance with federal law, CBD must contain no more than .3% THC. 

Full-spectrum or isolate 

Medical research is still ongoing to understand the mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system and how CBD can play a role in balancing the deficiency in people with autism. However, there could be some benefit to choosing CBD products that are full-spectrum, as they contain terpenes and flavonoids, which could provide additional benefits to the user. 

Concentrate

In CBD oil, concentrate refers to the levels of CBD found in a product compared with other compounds. They are highly potent and condensed. The benefit of a concentrate is that you can get a large dose of CBD that will begin acting quickly.

Dosage

At this time, there is no clear guideline as to the proper CBD oil dosage for someone with Aspergers and can vary depending on the person’s size and severity of autism symptoms, among other factors.  A trial-and-error approach is recommended, so start with a low dosage and adjust accordingly. 

It is always best to seek professional medical advice before beginning a new drug or dietary supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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