A new study published by Current Neuropharmacology reports that CBD-rich cannabis oil can help reduce attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children and young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly in cases where traditional medications have fallen short. The research was conducted by scientists from Tel Aviv University and followed participants over a period of up to six months.
The prospective, open-label study enrolled 109 children and young adults with autism and clinically significant ADHD symptoms between late 2019 and early 2021. Of that group, 53 participants were evaluated using the Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale, a standardized assessment completed by schoolteachers both before and after treatment with a CBD-rich cannabis oil. The product was administered for a period ranging from three to six months, allowing researchers to assess changes in behavior within a classroom setting rather than relying solely on parent reports.
According to the findings, teachers reported statistically significant improvements across several behavioral domains. These included reductions in anxious or shy behavior, emotional instability, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and overall ADHD index scores. Measures tied to perfectionism also improved, suggesting potential benefits beyond core attention symptoms. Additional improvements were observed in areas such as oppositional behavior, cognitive inattention, and global functioning, though these were described as secondary trends rather than primary outcomes.
Blood testing conducted before and after treatment measured levels of CBD and its metabolites. Researchers found no consistent relationship between cannabinoid levels and behavioral changes, with one exception. Higher CBD concentrations were associated with greater improvements in emotional lability, indicating a possible dose-related effect on emotional regulation.
The authors note that this is the first prospective study to use teacher-based assessments to evaluate CBD-rich cannabis treatment for ADHD symptoms in children with autism. While the open-label design limits the ability to draw firm conclusions about causation, the results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting cannabinoids may play a role in managing attention and behavioral challenges in this population.
Researchers conclude that CBD-rich cannabis oil may offer a potential therapeutic option for reducing ADHD symptoms in children with autism, while emphasizing the need for randomized, controlled trials to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing.
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