The efficacy of the use of cannabidiol in the treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological developmental disorder that affects a significant proportion of the pediatric population. Conventional pharmacological treatment does not always effectively alleviate behavioral and emotional symptoms. In this context, cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis-derived compound, has been proposed as a therapeutic alternative. This article reviews the literature on the use of CBD in children with ASD and evaluates its efficacy and safety.Material and methods: A systematic review of clinical studies and reviews on the use of CBD in the treatment of ASD in pediatric population was performed. We selected studies published between 2018 and 2024 that reported on the effects of CBD on ASD symptoms, such as repetitive behavior, anxiety, and difficulties in social communication.Results: The studies included in this review showed promising results in reducing behavioral and emotional symptoms in children with ASD treated with CBD. However, we highlighted the need for more controlled research with larger samples and longer follow-ups to confirm these findings.Conclusion: CBD has therapeutic potential in the treatment of ASD symptoms, especially behavioral and emotional problems. Despite the positive preliminary results, further rigorous studies are required to establish clear guidelines for its use in clinical practice.