Special report: How cannabis could shape future autism therapies
Recent articles
Q&A with Eric Hollander: Cannabis treatments for autism
As cannabis prohibition slowly lifts in the United States, scientists and families in the autism community are increasingly turning to the drug and its constituent compounds to ease autism-related difficulties, including seizures and irritability.
![Brain and marijuana leaves](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210608HollanderCBD844.jpg)
Q&A with Eric Hollander: Cannabis treatments for autism
As cannabis prohibition slowly lifts in the United States, scientists and families in the autism community are increasingly turning to the drug and its constituent compounds to ease autism-related difficulties, including seizures and irritability.
Cannabis and autism, explained
Autistic people and their families are increasingly experimenting with marijuana to try to ease problems such as insomnia, epilepsy and chronic pain — and traits of autism. But there is little evidence for its safety or effectiveness.
![Illustration of a neuron on top of a marijuana leaf surrounded by psychadelic colors.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200907-Cannabis-844b.jpg)
Cannabis and autism, explained
Autistic people and their families are increasingly experimenting with marijuana to try to ease problems such as insomnia, epilepsy and chronic pain — and traits of autism. But there is little evidence for its safety or effectiveness.
Researchers urge caution over study linking marijuana to autism
Women who use marijuana while pregnant may be more likely to give birth to an autistic child. But investigators call for a cautious interpretation of the results.
![Woman rolling a marijuana joint.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200818_pregnantTHC-844.jpg)
Researchers urge caution over study linking marijuana to autism
Women who use marijuana while pregnant may be more likely to give birth to an autistic child. But investigators call for a cautious interpretation of the results.
Cannabis compound improves sociability in autism mouse model
A single dose of cannabidiol, a component of marijuana, eases seizures and improves learning and sociability in mice with mutations in an autism gene called CDKL5.
![Marijuana plant](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CBDRett-844.jpg)
Cannabis compound improves sociability in autism mouse model
A single dose of cannabidiol, a component of marijuana, eases seizures and improves learning and sociability in mice with mutations in an autism gene called CDKL5.
Drug agency ruling on marijuana may do little to ease autism research
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has made it legal for doctors to prescribe an epilepsy drug derived from marijuana. But all other compounds derived from marijuana remain under tight restrictions.
![Photograph of marijuana plant in dark setting.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180926-CBD-844.jpg)
Drug agency ruling on marijuana may do little to ease autism research
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has made it legal for doctors to prescribe an epilepsy drug derived from marijuana. But all other compounds derived from marijuana remain under tight restrictions.
Federal chokehold on marijuana stymies studies on epilepsy, autism
Scientists' desire for evidence-based medical inquiry runs headlong into an apparently immovable obstacle: the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
![Gate keepers with long documents and spears in front of fortress full of marijuana leaves.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180911-MarijuanaHussain-844.jpg)
Federal chokehold on marijuana stymies studies on epilepsy, autism
Scientists' desire for evidence-based medical inquiry runs headlong into an apparently immovable obstacle: the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
Drug approval could boost research on marijuana treatment for autism
The United States has approved a compound derived from marijuana as a treatment for certain types of epilepsy. The ruling may spell good news for autism research.
![Collage illustration shows sun rising behind medicine dropper with marijuana leaves growing out of it.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/20180822-Marijuana844.jpg)
Drug approval could boost research on marijuana treatment for autism
The United States has approved a compound derived from marijuana as a treatment for certain types of epilepsy. The ruling may spell good news for autism research.
Marijuana ingredient sparks social behavior in epilepsy model
Cannabidiol alleviates seizures and restores social ability in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome by soothing overexcitement in the brain.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dravet-mouse844.jpg)
Marijuana ingredient sparks social behavior in epilepsy model
Cannabidiol alleviates seizures and restores social ability in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome by soothing overexcitement in the brain.
The pioneers: How parents are experimenting with marijuana for autism
Meet the backyard marijuana growers and home chemists who are rushing in where scientists fear to tread.
![Image of pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. This is meant to be a visual pun, because marijuana is also known as 'pot'.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/marijuana_opener_image.jpg)
The pioneers: How parents are experimenting with marijuana for autism
Meet the backyard marijuana growers and home chemists who are rushing in where scientists fear to tread.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.