In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has garnered increasing attention as a potential therapeutic tool for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As of early 2025, emerging studies are providing stronger scientific validation for CBD’s ability to reduce certain behavioral symptoms associated with ASD, including anxiety, aggression, and social communication challenges.
Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children with ASD often struggle with a wide range of behavioral and developmental issues, for which traditional treatments such as behavioral therapy and pharmaceutical drugs offer mixed results and potential side effects.
A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pediatric Neuropharmacology reviewed 15 clinical studies from the past five years involving over 700 children and adolescents with ASD. The analysis concluded that CBD-enriched cannabis extracts showed a statistically significant reduction in symptoms such as hyperactivity, self-injury, sleep disturbances, and anxiety—with minimal adverse effects reported. Parents in these studies also noted improvements in expressive language and overall quality of life.
Leading the charge in 2025 is a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel, a country renowned for its progressive cannabis research. The trial involved 180 children aged 5 to 15 with moderate to severe autism. Participants were given either a full-spectrum CBD oil (containing less than 0.3% THC), a purified CBD isolate, or a placebo over 12 weeks.
Results published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health revealed that those receiving full-spectrum CBD showed the greatest improvements, particularly in reducing outbursts and enhancing social engagement. Researchers hypothesize that the “entourage effect”—where various cannabis compounds work synergistically—plays a role in amplifying therapeutic outcomes. Importantly, adverse effects were rare and mild, with drowsiness being the most commonly reported.
Scientists believe CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response. In children with autism, some studies suggest there may be imbalances in the ECS that CBD helps to restore. Moreover, CBD’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties may also contribute to improved neurological function.
Despite the promising findings, researchers caution that CBD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Rachel Levinson, a pediatric neurologist and principal investigator in the Tel Aviv trial, emphasized the need for personalized dosing protocols and long-term safety data. “What we’re seeing is that CBD has the potential to significantly ease some of the more disruptive symptoms of autism,” she said. “But it must be administered carefully, under clinical guidance, and not as a replacement for traditional therapies.”
In the United States, while CBD derived from hemp is federally legal, its use in pediatric populations—especially for autism—remains a gray area in terms of medical regulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved CBD for epilepsy-related conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, though researchers and advocacy groups are urging expanded approvals as more evidence accumulates.
As of 2025, the conversation around medical cannabis is rapidly evolving. With growing support from the scientific community, CBD-based therapies may soon become a viable complementary option for managing autism symptoms in children—potentially reshaping the landscape of care for families navigating this complex disorder.