Medical Marijuana has emerged as an excellent alternative treatment for various medical conditions and many illnesses have been added to the list of qualifying conditions in recent years, from chronic pain to alleviating symptoms of various mental disorders. Marijuana is an excellent choice as it shows promising results, especially in managing symptoms related to neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD).
We will be looking at Autism Spectrum Disorder and see how Medical Marijuana can be an alternative treatment avenue for medical professionals.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the person having speech & language delays and social communication difficulties. The etiology of ASD is not yet clear, and researchers believe that multiple causes result in the development of ASD. After all the research, medical professionals have found that it is most commonly caused by changes in brain development from birth, with genetic factors playing a huge part in its onset in many patients. Therefore, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a medical condition that affects the neurological development of the patient with the prevalence of restricted or repetitive behavior patterns, deficits in social communication and social interactions, and sleep problems or chronic insomnia. Autism is identified as being a spectrum disorder, where the range of symptoms ranges from mild to severe.
This signifies that any patient diagnosed with Autism will present unique and varied symptoms, as one person may have high intellect, for example, while another person suffers from a severe learning disability, requiring adult support to carry on even with daily activities. Therefore, each patient with ASD presents his/her own combination of symptoms, and the severity of each symptom also varies from one patient to another. Due to the varying degrees of symptoms and how each person presents these symptoms differently, medical professionals have found it very hard to find a treatment for autism disorder. To date, there is no cure for the symptoms associated with Autism. Still, research has been able to find ways of reducing the symptoms and increasing the social and communication aspects for the patients, and lessening the anxiety associated with social interactions, thus improving the patients’ quality of life.
Prevalence Of ASD
Recently, an increase in the number of diagnosed cases of Autism, and it is unknown why the numbers are increasing. According to the evidence provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1 in 44 children born in the United States are diagnosed with Autism, and it is more prevalent in males than in females. Compared to these figures, the prevalence of Autism was 1 in 150 children in the United States in the early 1990s.
This 300% increase in the diagnoses of this health condition is alarming and has caused increased research to find an adequate management regime. The diagnosis of ASD is usually made when a child reaches the age of 4, but in recent years, practitioners have been diagnosing some children as young as 18 months. The practitioners are aiming for early diagnosis, so early interventions can be put in place. And possible treatments can be effective if the diagnosis is made early.
Over the past decade, a significant number of people have chosen Medical Marijuana as a form for treating/reducing their symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Likewise, people diagnosed with ASD have also favored medical Marijuana as beneficial in alleviating their symptoms. Marijuana and products derived from the cannabis plant have shown promising results in recent years in helping patients with ASD. A systematic study investigated the use of cannabinoids in managing Autism. They discovered that Medical Marijuana effectively manages and reduces the intensity of most of the symptoms associated with Autism. The study pointed out that cannabinoids in Medical Marijuana can reduce hyperacidity, sleep challenges, anxiety, irritability, and depression. It also potentially reduced the patient’s aggressiveness and psychomotor agitation. The study concluded by addressing the promises of Medical Marijuana in managing symptoms in autistic patients.
Positive Impact of Medical Marijuana
One positive impact is improving sleep issues such as insomnia commonly present in ASD patients. Due to the main compound found in Marijuana, THC is known to have sedative properties. Many patients with ASD also exhibit severe anxiety. Due to their reluctance to participate in social interactions and inability to cope with change. Medical Marijuana has been proven to have potential in tackling anxiety such as restlessness, agitation, and a sense of calm. By reducing these anxiety symptoms, patients feel more relaxed participating in social events. Thus allowing them to be open to more opportunities to improve their social interactions and make social connections.
Medical Marijuana and ASD
This, in turn, improves their ability to seek new endeavors, find better employment opportunities. And enjoy the social aspects of everyday life. Many patients with ASD also develop feelings of loneliness and depression due to difficulties in making social connections and feeling isolated. This can lead to self-harm in many, as sadly, they feel trapped due to their condition. Marijuana has been highly successful in helping people feel a sense of calm. Helping them to feel more relaxed, happy, and peaceful. The combination of Medical Marijuana in reducing anxiety, and helping with feelings of loneliness in ASD patients. Demonstrates the positive link Medical Marijuana has for patients with ASD. Moreover, research has also found an improvement in cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, social interaction. And language in ASD patients who have used Medical Marijuana.
Some patients with ASD, unfortunately, have comorbidity with other health conditions, such as epilepsy. Researchers have found that ASD patients have a higher percentage of epilepsy compared to the neurotypical population. Medical Marijuana has shown great results in affecting the brain’s neural pathways, thus reducing seizures’ rate and intensity.
All these do show promising results in using Marijuana as a form of alternative medicine. For significantly improving the quality of life of ASD patients. It is crucial to know about the treatment you are taking to understand better. And see which symptoms you need to tackle first.
When you consult with an experienced physician, you will get all the information about Medical Marijuana and its effect on Autism. Our physicians are the most experienced in administering Cannabis and are up to date with the latest research. As the use of Marijuana to treat Autism is continually being researched. It is best if your doctor is up-to-date with the current information about the research.
How can My Florida Green help you with treatment?
We offer premium services to clients in Naples, Sarasota, Melbourne, and St. Petersburg who want to complete their Marijuana certification. Our amazing team of experts ensures their patients have all the knowledge they need about the best treatment available. In addition to providing all the information. They also ensure you get the approval you need and monitor your treatment outcome until you have a significant improvement. Our clinics are open 24/7, and you can now schedule an appointment by speaking with any online representatives.
