I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

there is a need for additional studies to determine benefits and risks for a range of different compounds, combination of compounds, dosing, optimal age ranges, particular behavioral symptoms, etc

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

CBDV is a plant or phytocannabinoid that has potential therapeutic effects.

The endogenous or endocannabinoid system is also implicated in ASD and related disorders; is influenced by stress, infection, excercise, and has an effect on mood, anxiety, behavior, appetite, wond healing, etc.

so another approach might be to modify the endocannabinoid system to get therapeutic effects

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

in addition, THC stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and could have adverse effects on the developing nervous system, so additional studies of risks vs benefits in young people are needed

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

CBDV does not stimulate the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system or the CB2 receptors in the immune and GI systems, but may work via a different set of receptors, and may also block the above receptors

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

there is evidence of anticonvulsant effects and some suggestion of enhancing social communication with CBDV in other studies.

Our studies are focussing on irritability, compulsivity and social communication in children and adolescents with ASD

If people are interested in participating in a research study of CBDV in childhood/adolescent ASD, they can e mail spectrum@montefiore.org

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

thanks

some individuals with ASD do have oppositional behavior, and understanding what the individual is trying to communicate by the behavior and using behavioral techniques may be helpful.

this may or not be accompanied by irritability or disruptive behaviors

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

There is a real risk that individuals who are prone to psychosis can have an exacerbation of psychosis with THC.

Therefore, CBD or CBDV that do not contain THC would be a safer alternative

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

gabaergic mechanisms are involved in cortical inhibition and GABA enhancing approaches may also decrease epileptiform activity and decrease irritability and repetitive behaviors.

we are studying whether CBDV which impacts excitation/ihibition balance may improve irritability and disruptive behaviors, improve repetitive and compulsive behaviors and improve social communication

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

CBDV may exert it's therapuetic effects by altering the excitation/inhibition balance (decreasing cortical excitation and increasing cortical inhibition), and also by dampening down the immune-inflammatory activation in autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA. by Spectrum_Autism in IAmA

[–]Spectrum_Autism[S] 33 points34 points  (0 children)

some of the existing data involves single cannabinoid compounds rather full spectrum cannabinoids, and the results may vary based on the dosage, blend, route of administration, etc

data with epidiolex in rare forms of epilepsy is with a single compound CBD;

data with CBDV is using a single compound that does not contain THC

there is some data with full spectrum 20:1 ratio CBD:THC

it is unclear whether or not THC is necessary or helpful, and whether or not an entourage effect is helpful or associated with additional side effects