“Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors . The cause of autism is not completely understood and there is no effective cure. However, genetic and environmental factors and the interaction between genes and environment are known to play a role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)…
Our data provides a basis for further studies in evaluating the role of the cannabinoid and monoaminergic systems in the etiology of ASDs.
It is tempting to suggest the evaluation of Δ9-THC or other cannabinoids with reduced psychoactivity in irritability, tantrums and self-injurious behavior associated with autistic individuals.
The rationale for this novel hypothesis arises from the discovery that the endocannabinoid system is one of the most abundant physiological control systems in animals and humans.”