The information in these pages are designed for both the general consumer, as well as, health and medical practitioners seeking to expand their working knowledge of cannabis and the potential of cannabinoid based therapies. While we work to ensure the information in these pages and resources is accurate and up to date, we do not make any claims as to the veracity or totality of the information contained herein. Research into cannabis as medicine is ongoing and our understanding of its many potential benefits continues to grow everyday. Our hope is that you will find this information beneficial and inspiring in your own search to better understand the potential of this incredible plant to increase overall health, vitality, and well-being. CBD products are not approved by the FDA for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease. We are restricted from making any claims about the efficacy of our specific CBD products to treat or cure any disease or medical conditions. You should always seek the advice of a physician before adding nutritional supplements to your diet. The following information is presented for educational purposes only. Healers Blend provides this information to provide an understanding of the potential applications of cannabidiol. Links to third party websites do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations by Healers Blend and none should be inferred.
Concerning CBD and ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) the questions asked regularly are:
How much CBD should I administer for my child with ASD?
What is the best CBD oil for treating autism?
How does CBD work to affect ASD symptoms?
What are the side effects of CBD?
In this FAQ, we will answer the above questions, and walk you through the basics of using Healers Blend CBD products.
- The FDA Guidelines (legal stuff)
- Can CBD Help with ASD and Autistic-Related Symptoms? – The Current Research
- Finding Your Minimum Effective Dose – How Much CBD Do I Take And How Often?
- How To Determine Dosage Based On Type of Product
- CBD Side Effects and Drug Interactions
1. The FDA Guidelines Concerning The Use Of CBD For ASD and Autistic-Related Symptoms
(Let’s get the legal stuff out of the way first)
It is important to note that CBD products are not approved by FDA for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease. We are restricted from making any claims about the efficacy of our specific CBD products to treat or cure any disease or medical condition including ASD and the related symptoms associated with autism.
None of the products or information made available to the public is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state, but rather are offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns. None of the information presented is intended to be an enticement to purchase and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction.The FDA would want us to remind you: You should always seek the advice of a physician before adding nutritional supplements to your diet.
2. Can CBD Help with ASD and autistic-related symptoms? – The Current Research
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which may involve dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system (i.e. the ECS) (Learn more about the endocannabinoid system).1 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23643692) Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from cannabis, has shown potential in mitigating the symptoms of ASD. The mechanisms by which CBD may interact with the ECS, and other systems in the body, to reduce the symptoms of autism are not clear. They may involve regulation of GABA and glutamate, neurotransmitters involved in communication between different structures in the brain.2 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28880200)
Anecdotal reports of possible therapeutic effects of phytocannabinoids have emerged.3 (https://n.neurology.org/content/90/15_Supplement/P3.318) These reports, when combined with preclinical studies in animal models, suggest that the ECS is a viable therapeutic target for treating ASD. Human observational studies are few, but promising. An observational study published in 2019, documented significant improvements in symptoms, and low rates of adverse effects, using a CBD-dominant cannabis oil.4 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=30655581) Another observational study published in 2018 investigated the use of CBD-dominant cannabis oil among sixty children with ASD.5 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=30382443) Behavioral problems were much improved, or very much improved, in 61% of patients. Anxiety and communication problems were much improved, or very much improved, in 86% of patients. Disruptive behaviors were also improved. Randomized controlled trials are forthcoming and eagerly anticipated.6,7 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02956226, https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/is-cbd-a-remedy-for-autism-tbd)
For your convenience, and to assist with your research, we have assembled an index of published studies on CBD as a treatment for autism.
3. Finding Your Minimum Effective Dose: How Much CBD Do I Take And How Often?
Due to FDA regulations, we cannot give specific advice on how to use CBD for a particular condition such as ASD or other autistic-related symptoms. Fortunately though, the process to find a minimum effective dose of CBD for any condition, is very simple. The key to finding the most effective dosage is by using what is called, a Stepwise Dosing procedure.
Stepwise Dosing is a process by which you first establish a baseline dosage, then adjust the dosage incrementally over a set period of time (typically 3 days) until you find your effective dose.
It is important to recognize that everyone responds a little differently to CBD so there is no set dose for everyone or every condition. By following a stepwise dosing procedure you can find the most effective dosage of CBD for you.
The Stepwise Dosing Procedure
Start Low and Go Slow: The first step to finding your minimum effective dose is to establish a baseline dosage. Since many people report good results with CBD at low doses, we suggest you start with a minimal dose and slowly increase the dosage until you find results. Start with a small baseline dosage between 2-5mg, 2X or 3x daily (6-10mg total).
- Maintain your baseline dosage for 7 days taking note of how the CBD interacts with your body.
- After the initial 7 days of your baseline CBD dosage, if you are not receiving the benefit you need, then increase the daily dosage by 1-2mg every 3 days until you find the dosage that works best for you.
- Once you have determined your minimum effective dose you may wish to decrease your dosage by one step to see if you can maintain the benefits at a slightly lower dosage.
Important Note: Typically, people decide to try CBD because of a specific condition, only to find it helps other areas of their body as well. Remember, your endocannabinoid system runs throughout the entire body at a cellular and sub-cellular level. CBD is a whole-body compound. When you start taking CBD for the first time, pay attention to everything going on in your body. Do not be surprised if you find various benefits from your dosage.
About Sleep: Often times, certain conditions or side-effects from medication can create insomnia. Sleep is essential to the bodies healing and recovery process. If sleep deprivation is an issue, you may want to consider weighting your dosage heavier at night to assist with a more sound sleep.
Establishing A Baseline Dosage Based On Weight
If you feel you need a higher dosage as a starting point we have created the following chart to assist you. This chart is submitted as a suggestive guide only and is not meant to take the place of a qualified physician.
4. How To Determine Dosage Based On A Specific Product
Dosing With Sublingual CBD Oils
Once you have established a minimum effective dose using the stepwise dosing procedure, the following chart will help you determine which sublingual oil potency will best meet your daily dosage requirement. To find the best product match for your dosage simply match your daily dosage to the row on the chart labeled “30 Day Supply in Bottle”. For example: If you need 15mg CBD daily then according to the chart you would need a 450mg product. The chart also acts as a guide on how to use the glass dropper to measure out CBD in milligrams.
5. Possible Side Effects Of CBD And Drug Interaction
There are multiple studies demonstrating the effectiveness of CBD in treating various conditions. Most of these studies conclude that CBD (cannabidiol) is safe and virtually free of side effects.
A review of the Safety and side effects of cannabidiol by the NCBI, for example, suggests that controlled CBD (cannabidiol) administration is safe and non-toxic in humans and animals. It also does not induce changes in food intake; nor does it affect physiological parameters like heart rate, body temperature or blood pressure. Also, according to this review paper, “high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.”
There are very few known side effects of CBD, these are mostly minor but you should be informed before taking CBD:
- Inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism– CBD and other plant cannabinoids can potentially interact with some pharmaceuticals by inhibiting the activity of cytochrome P450, a family of liver enzymes. This key enzyme group is responsible for metabolizing some of the drugs we consume. At sufficient dosages, CBD will temporarily deactivate cytochrome P450 enzymes, thereby altering how we metabolize certain compounds. A 2013 report on a clinical trial using GW Pharmaceutical’s Sativex, found no interactions with CYP enzymes when approximately 40mg of CBD were administered.
GRAPEFRUIT WARNING: If your medication has a grapefruit consumption warning label then you should not take CBD without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist to see if CBD will inhibit the efficacy of your medication. - Dry mouth – Some people have reported an unpleasant dry sensation in the mouth.
- Increased tremor with Parkinson’s at high CBD dosages – There are studies showing the potential of CBD to help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, there have been reports of CBD increasing tremors when taken at very high dosages. Reducing intake to a smaller dosage will typically eliminate increased tremors.
- Lightheadedness – In cases where extremely high dosages of CBD are being taken some people have reported temporary lightheadedness.
- Drowsiness – Higher dosages of CBD may cause drowsiness. If you are affected in this way, you should not operate machinery or drive a vehicle. Conversely, due to its bi-phasic nature, micro-doses of CBD act as a wake-inducing agent.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking CBD if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
References
