Israel became the first country in the world to approve medical cannabis for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in November 2023. The approval was based on a number of clinical trials that showed that cannabis can be effective in reducing the severity of ASD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, aggression, and anxiety.

One of the clinical trials that led to the approval was conducted by Dr. Adi Aran, a pediatric neurologist at Soroka University Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. The trial involved 60 children with ASD, and the results showed that cannabis treatment was effective in reducing irritability and aggression, and improving sleep and social communication skills.

Another clinical trial, conducted by Dr. Orit Stolar at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, involved 110 children and adolescents with ASD. The results of this trial showed that cannabis treatment was effective in reducing hyperactivity, aggression, and repetitive behaviors.

The approval of medical cannabis for ASD in Israel is a significant development, and it could pave the way for other countries to follow suit. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of cannabis for ASD, but the initial results from clinical trials are promising.

Here are some additional thoughts on the approval of medical cannabis for ASD in Israel:

• The approval is based on a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests that cannabis can be effective in treating a variety of ASD symptoms.
• The approval is a sign that Israel is at the forefront of medical cannabis research and development.
• The approval could pave the way for other countries to approve medical cannabis for ASD.
• It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of cannabis for ASD.

According to a study conducted by Ben Gurion University and Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, cannabis oil was found to be an effective treatment for a variety of Autism-related symptoms including seizures, tics, depression, restlessness, and rage attacks for patients under the age of 18. The study found that after six months of regular consumption, 30 percent of patients reported significant improvement, 53.7% reported moderate improvement and only 15% had slight or no change ¹. However, it is important to note that the use of medicinal cannabis for autism spectrum disorder is still a controversial topic, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

I hope this helps!

Learn more:

1. timesofisrael.com2. blogs.timesofisrael.com3. jewishpress.com4. thecmcuk.org5. canex.co.uk6. ukmccs.org7. ukmccs.org8. leafie.co.uk9. commonslibrary.parliament.uk10. medbud.wiki