How Can Medical Marijuana help those with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Have you ever wondered how a patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as ASD, could benefit from the use of Medical Marijuana here in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

Autism spectrum disorder is a name used to refer to a complex set of neurodevelopmental and social characteristics. The presentation of autism varies from patient to patient. Autistic people are unique in their communication, interaction, understanding, and social skills. They express their emotions differently or do not express them at all. They have a hard time developing an understanding and bonding with others.

Symptoms of Autism:

According to DSM-5, there are two categories of ASD symptoms.

• Communication and social interaction problems

• Restricted repetitive activities and behaviors

Benefits to the use of Medical Marijuana:

In Virginia, Medical Marijuana can benefit those that suffer from ASD as has been proven in a study published by the NIH. This study shows the benefits of those with Autism using Medical Marijuana. The study resulted in the following: cannabis products reduced the number and/or intensity of different symptoms, including hyperactivity, attacks of self-mutilation and anger, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, psychomotor agitation, irritability, aggressiveness perseverance, and depression. Moreover, they found an improvement in cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, social interaction, and language. The most common adverse effects were sleep disorders, restlessness, nervousness and change in appetite.

Why used Medical Marijuana to treat ASD?

Within these studies, there are promising effects in the treatment of symptoms related to ASD, and can be used as a therapeutic alternative in the relief of those symptoms. However, randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to clarify findings on the effects of cannabis and its cannabinoids in individuals with ASD.

What Strains of Medical Marijuana are best for treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

There are many strains of medical marijuana that would benefit each symptom of autism. As presenting symptoms are different for every patient, the best strain can be chosen on the basis of personal experience which can be continually improved through a process of learning and documenting the results of the various strains of medical marijauna.

Strains commonly used are:

For seizure:

• Mandarin Punch

• Stardawg IV

• Lava Cake

For social problems:

• Sundae Fundae II

• Purple Pineapple IV

For anxiety and anger problems:

• Lemon Jack II

• Salt Water Taffy

• Blackberry Kush

What are the best ways to take Medical Marijuana?

While the majority of patients with ASD are children, we do not recommend using without direct supervision of an adult.

Some ways to administer medical marijuana to children are:

• Vapes

• Topicals

• Edibles that include: chocolates, chews, gummies and more!

• Tinctures

How can Patients get their Medical Marijuana or their Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia?

At CannabisMD TeleMed we offer Virtual appointments to patients looking to receive their medical marijuana certificate. Using telemedicine to evaluate patients online for medical marijuana in Virginia has really expanded access of this natural treatment. Our marijuana doctor and his marijuana practitioners are able to evaluate patients online and immediately issue them a medical marijuana certificate.

Once a patient receives their medical marijuana certificate, they can submit an application online to receive their medical marijuana card. The medical cannabis card arrives in the mail within 30 days of submitting your application.

After receiving your medical marijuana card, you will be able to visit state-regulated dispensary and purchase medical marijuana. Many of the medical marijuana dispensaries allow patients to order online and get same day delivery of their marijuana medication after they have visited the location in person at least once.

If you believe you could benefit from medical marijuana, please schedule an appointment online with one of our marijuana practitioners or our marijuana doctor to explore the benefits of a natural medication from the comfort of your home using telemedicine. If at the end of your appointment you feel medical cannabis is not right for your then let the provider know and we will issue a 100% refund.

To schedule an appointment please click the Book Appointment button below!