ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in social, communication, and motor behaviors. 1 Additional common comorbidities such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, and self-injurious behavior negatively impact quality of life. As a spectrum, the severity of ASD symptoms ranges across individuals as a function of underlying etiology, but we’d like to note here that the following discussion relates the potential utility of cannabis treatment for individuals on the severe end of the ASD spectrum. Any drug should be used only when empirically supported benefits outweigh the potential risks, and as such conversation surrounding the use of cannabis to treat ASD should be for the treatment of severe symptoms, such as severe feeding disorders and self-harm, rather than to limit neurodivergence. The goal is not to eradicate diversity but to improve functioning and quality of life.
