←Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study register · detail Beobachtungsstudie (Real-World-Daten) · Autism Spectrum Disorder · 2025

Acute effects of cannabis on core and co-occurring features associated with autism spectrum disorder in adults

Karhson et al. ·Scientific Reports Impact 4.4

Clear benefit GRADE Moderate 0 citations

Samplen = 111 Pat.

Durationacute effects

EndpointSymptom severity rating

Blindingn.a.

DesignBeobachtungsstudie (Real-World-Daten)

Key finding

Symptom severity scores were reduced by 73,09% from before to after cannabis use.

Summary

n=111 self-identified autistic adults, real-world tracking via Strainprint® app; symptom severity reduction of 73,09% from before to after cannabis use (Sensory Sensitivity, Repetitive Behaviors, Mental Control, Negative Affect). Higher dose associated with stronger reduction in repetitive behaviors, mental control and negative affect. No control group; subjective self-assessment.

PopulationSelf-identified autistic adults, n=111

InterventionCannabis (various strains/doses, ad libitum, recorded via Strainprint app)

OutcomeSymptom severity reduction of 73,09% from before to after cannabis use; higher doses predict stronger reductions in Repetitive Behaviors, Mental Control and Negative Affect

Confidence in the evidence

Moderate

The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.

Quality profile

Sample size ★★★★★

Blinding —

Effect size Clear benefit

Citations / year ★★★★★

Authors

Karhson DS, LaFrance EM, Cuttler C

DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-23472-3↗

Design: Beobachtungsstudie (Real-World-Daten)

Abstract

Pharmacological interventions that treat core and co-occurring features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are a persistent unmet need. As such, use of cannabis to manage ASD features is common in the autistic community. Yet, few studies have examined the acute effects of cannabis on symptoms associated with ASD. Therefore, we measured changes in symptom ratings from before to after cannabis use in a sample of 111 self-identified autistic adults. Anonymized archival data sourced from the Strainprint<sup>®</sup> app were analyzed. A subset of tracked information that reflected changes in core and co-occurring symptoms associated with ASD (i.e., Sensory Sensitivity, Repetitive Behaviors, Mental Control, and Negative Affect) were used to assess the impacts of cannabis on symptom severity. Overall, symptom severity ratings were reduced by 73.09% from before to after cannabis use. More severe symptoms were associated with greater reductions in severity ratings after use. Higher doses predicted greater reductions in severity of Repetitive Behaviors, Mental Control, and Negative Affect but dose of cannabis used to manage all symptoms remained static across time. Results from this first empirical examination of the perceived acute effects of cannabis in autistic adults suggest that cannabis provides temporary relief from symptoms associated with ASD.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius