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Exploring the Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Children with Autism

Cannabis is a plant that has gained recognition as a treatment for various health problems, and some doctors in certain states of the US now recommend it to their patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition that affects over 700 million people worldwide. Although not widely known, cannabis has the potential to provide relief from certain ASD symptoms.

hemp plant for cbd
hemp plant for cbd topicals

While anecdotal evidence shows that some individuals with ASD prefer cannabis to traditional pills, scientific studies also suggest that cannabis may be effective in treating ASD symptoms. For example, a 2020 study published by Seminars in Pediatric Neurology found that cannabis has promise in treating symptoms such as aggression, self-injurious behaviors, and epilepsy. Another study conducted by psychologists at the Universidade Federal da Paraíba in Brazil found that cannabis use improved cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, and social interaction among ASD patients, while reducing symptoms like hyperactivity, anger attacks, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and depression.

Side Effects With Cannabis Use

However, there are also potential side effects of cannabis use, such as manic and repetitive behaviors and anxiety, although these do not occur for every autistic person using cannabis. To address these potential side effects, scientists have experimented with different forms of cannabis and manipulated the cannabinoids present in the plant. For example, some studies suggest that cannabis oil, which is applied to the skin and contains lower doses of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis), may be beneficial for children with ASD.

CBD vs THC

Additionally, research suggests that lower doses of CBD and trace amounts of THC provide the best results for managing the behavioral problems and core symptoms related to ASD. A 2021 study from the Journal of Cannabis Research found that a 20:1 ratio between CBD and THC was most effective in this regard, and also showed cognitive improvements in children who took low-grade CBD for over two years.

More Research Needed

While cannabis shows promise as a treatment for ASD symptoms, more research is needed to fully understand how it works and ensure it is safe for everyone. Some studies have produced inconclusive results, and varying potencies of cannabinoids in different studies make it difficult to draw accurate conclusions. Additionally, Autism is a complex condition that affects people differently, so what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is important for individuals with ASD and their families to discuss the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use with their doctor before trying it.

Links to sources in this article:


Autism Spectrum Disorder and Medical Cannabis: Review and Clinical Experience
Mojdeh Mostafavi MD *, John Gaitanis MD †
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1071909120300449

Cannabis and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34043900/

CBD Oil for ADHD in Children and Adults: Does It Work?
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/cbd-oil-for-adhd

CBD-enriched cannabis for autism spectrum disorder: an experience of a single center
in Turkey and reviews of the literature

https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s42238-021-00108-7.pdf

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Why Hemp is the Next Big Thing

As we peer into the future, the potential of hemp cannot be underestimated. This versatile plant has been utilized for myriad purposes for centuries, and its popularity continues to surge as we discover novel applications. In this exposé, we will expound on the manifold benefits of hemp and its potential to transform the world as we know it.

hemp plant for cbd
hemp plant for cbd topicals

What is Hemp?

Hemp denotes a cannabis strain that is specifically cultivated for industrial purposes. Unlike marijuana, which is bred for its psychoactive properties, hemp contains negligible levels of THC, thus it does not cause intoxication. Hemp can be transformed into a gamut of commodities, from fabrics and construction materials to comestibles and medications.

The Ecological Benefits of Hemp

Hemp’s most conspicuous advantage is its environmental friendliness. Hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires scant irrigation and no pesticides. It can thrive in diverse climates, making it an eco-friendly and multifarious option for farmers worldwide. Furthermore, hemp has the potential to supplant more pernicious materials like cotton and plastic in sundry industries.

Hemp as a Renewable Energy Source

Hemp also has the potential to serve as a crucial source of renewable energy. The plant can be utilized to generate biofuels, which are an environmentally sound substitute for fossil fuels. Hemp biomass can also be converted to produce electricity and heat, making it a versatile and sustainable option for energy production.

The Medicinal Potential of Hemp

Another sphere where hemp holds considerable promise is healthcare. CBD, a compound present in hemp, has been demonstrated to possess a myriad of therapeutic benefits. It has been used to treat conditions ranging from chronic pain to anxiety and depression, and ongoing research seeks to explore its potential in other areas of healthcare. Some are made into 5000 creams and 10,000 creams while others are made into sublingual tinctures.

The Economic Impact of Hemp

Hemp has the potential to be a significant driver of economic growth. As more industries realize the advantages of hemp, demand for the crop is likely to increase, creating fresh opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. Moreover, incorporating hemp into various commodities could translate into cost savings for businesses and consumers alike.

Conclusion

As we have witnessed, hemp has the potential to be a game-changer in diverse fields. From its environmentally friendly features to its potential as a renewable energy source and a powerful medication, hemp has the potential to metamorphose the way we live and work. As we look optimistically towards the future, it is apparent that hemp will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping our world.

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California Failed To Pass Legislation

We are disappointed to report that efforts have failed, for the time being, to pass legislation in California that would explicitly permit the retail sale of hemp-derived CBD as a dietary supplement, cosmetic, and food and beverage additive.

Due to intra-party fights that had nothing to do with legislation, (No surprise) the state Senate leadership refused to allow a vote on the legislative language, despite the Governor’s endorsement and the overwhelming bi-partisan support for hemp farmers and our industry.

However, Governor Newsom’s team agreed to immediately establish a policy of formal enforcement discretion, under which current retailers and manufacturers, operating in good faith compliance with current law, would be allowed to continue to sell and manufacture their hemp CBD products until a new law is enacted.

If you would like to read the Bill click below (Its 66 pages long!) Its in a pdf format

A big thank you to wherezhemp for keeping the industry updated!
https://wherezhemp.com/article/disappointing-news-for-the-hemp-industry-in-california.html