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Autism Spectrum Disorder
Medical marijuana can provide relief for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since these conditions can cause difficulties with social skills, nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors, they can impact quality of life. Cannabis, according to the physicians at MarijuanaDoctors.Com, can treat common symptoms of autism like anxiety and tics.
How Is Medical Marijuana an Effective Treatment for Autism?
A growing body of positive anecdotal evidence suggests taking cannabis for autism is an effective treatment. Researcher and clinical psychologist Dr. Giovanni Martinez is currently researching treating children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) with CBD (cannabidiol) oil.
In one case, a child who received a twice-daily dose of hemp oil spoke his first words after treatment. In just three weeks, he developed sign language skills after previously being non-verbal. The child in question was once so frustrated about being unable to communicate that he would self-injure. He can now express himself and is happily enjoying life.
Medical marijuana has been known to be a solution to alleviating outbursts of rage, seizures and temper tantrums among autism patients. Cannabis and cannabis-based products such as concentrates and tinctures can be responsible for the lessening of erratic actions that may have occurred in the past.
Patients who use medical marijuana to treat their symptoms become extremely relaxed and very attentive to what they are doing. Medical cannabis can serve as an exceptional behavioral modification, which can protect both the health and safety of an autistic patient.
How Is Medical Marijuana an Effective Treatment for Autism?
Medical pot can be used to treat the seizures, communication problems, a tendency to self-harm, inability to sleep and potentially more. Many patients who receive marijuana daily see improvement in at least one of ASD’s core symptoms, including repetitive behaviors, social communication and language. In most of the cases, things like food acceptance, sensory difficulties, seizures and sleep and feeding disorders also improve.
How Is Medical Marijuana an Effective Treatment for Autism?
To get medical cannabis for autism, you’ll first need a written recommendation from a physician, if your state has legalized the herb for your autism symptoms. Not all doctors will be willing to provide you with this recommendation, so you’ll want to find a qualified cannabis doctor.
Every state has its own laws about which conditions qualify for medical weed. You may even be required to obtain a medical marijuana ID card before you can begin treatment. Once you receive your written recommendation and ID card, you can then buy your cannabis at a dispensary.
Ways to Use Medical Marijuana for Autism.
You focus on health when you’re using cannabis medically. Therefore, you probably don’t want to smoke it. We all know the dangers of smoking, so what are the alternatives? You can take marijuana in various ways, including:
- Vaping: Vaping provides almost instantaneous results. It’s also not as hard on your lungs as smoking.
- Sprays: Cannabis sprays come in a variety of flavors and are easy to carry along with you.
- Tinctures: These alcohol-based extracts can be put into your drinks and food.
- Juices: You can blend up fresh, raw pot leaves with some fruit or vegetable juice. You can drink this wherever you are.
- Edibles: You can buy or make your own edibles like cupcakes and brownies. No matter where you are, these are discrete to eat.
The above methods of using medical marijuana may be right for you if you’re focusing on your health. They eliminate smoke and enable you to try different ways of taking pot so you can find the perfect method for you.
Ways to Use Medical Marijuana for Autism.
There are many different strains of medical cannabis for autism available to purchase from dispensaries. Each has its unique effects. To find out what’s best suited to you, it’s a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable budtender or your medical marijuana doctor. Before you do that, you can take a look at this short list for background information.
- Using Marijuana to Treat Seizures
A worrying and frightening symptom of autism is often having seizures. If these affect you and you don’t want to take conventional medications, the following cannabis strains may work for you:
- Grapefruit Kush: Grapefruit Kush, a hybrid strain, is a cross of Grapefruit and BC Kush. The strain has a fruity taste and may be beneficial for treating seizures and muscle spasms.
- Black Bubba: Black Bubba is an indica strain that’s a cross of Black Russian and Bubba Kush. The strain boasts fruit and pine notes. It should be taken in the evening when you have nothing left to do. The effects of Black Bubba are very relaxing and sedative.
- Using Marijuana to Improve Relaxation and Communication
When you’re on the autistic spectrum, it’s common to experience communication difficulties as well as an inability to relax. The following strains should offer some relief from these symptoms:
- Chocolope: Chocolope is a highly energizing sativa strain that provides you with an uplifted and blissfully happy experience. You should start off with a small dose to see how you react to Chocolope, as this strain can occasionally cause anxiety. However, it can provide symptom relief when used correctly.
- Blue Dream: Blue Dream is one of the most recognizable strains of pot in the world. It provides a smooth, hybrid experience and is perfect for daytime use. You feel relaxed, creative and happy when you take this strain.
- Using Marijuana to Treat Sleep Problems
Cannabis is well known for its sedative qualities. There is probably nothing worse for your health than not sleeping. As you sleep, your body has the chance to repair itself. You recharge. If you have autism and are unable to sleep, the following heavy indica strains will do the trick:
- Afghani: The powerful sedative effects of Afghani begin within minutes of taking it. You’ll have a deep, blissful sense of relaxation before falling asleep and awaken refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Northern Lights: Northern Lights is an indica-dominant hybrid and is particularly helpful if medications, pain, anxiety or depression cause your insomnia. It’s best to take this strain an hour or so before bed.
Medical cannabis is worth a try if you feel conventional treatments are just not working for you or you need some additional help treating your symptoms.
Side Effects of Marijuana for Autism.
Medical weed can significantly improve your autism symptoms. However, it’s important you know the potential side effects of the herb. While you could experience side effects when using cannabis, when compared with some prescriptions medications, the effects are typically mild and go away once your treatment wears off. Some potential side effects you could experience when using marijuana for autism are:
- Sleepiness: Sleep problems are a common symptom of autism that marijuana’s sedative properties can help with.
- A “high” feeling: You may experience a “high” feeling with marijuana, especially with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) strains.
- Dry mouth: “Cotton mouth” is a common side effect you can ease by drinking fluids.
- Red eyes: This is another common side effect of medical weed you can ease with eye drops.
- Increased hunger: Cannabis often gives you the “munchies,” making you have an insatiable appetite.
When compared with prescription medicines, medical pot treatment can have more benefits and fewer harmful side effects. As researchers conduct more studies on cannabis, more benefits of the herb may be found, thereby making it a more suitable treatment for individuals with autism or any other health condition.
Before starting your marijuana treatment, consult with your cannabis doctor to go over all the potential side effects.
Side Effects of Marijuana for Autism.
Around one in 59 children in the U.S. has received a diagnosis of autism, according to the CDC.
Many parents of children with autism are advocating for medical cannabis to become legal for helping to treat some autism symptoms.
A parent advocacy group, Mothers Advocating Medical Marijuana for Autism (MAMMA), has a goal to provide all autistic children with legal access to medical cannabis under a doctor’s care. MAMMA’s website lists 10 family testimonials claiming cannabis has greatly helped their children’s autism symptoms.
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