Cannabis and cannabinoid use has increased children with conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As states continue to enact medical- and adult-use cannabis laws, many have begun pursuing answers about the efficacy and mechanism of action by which cannabinoids may benefit autistic individuals. This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoid formulations on ASD symptom domains, with a primary focus on core symptoms, in a sample of N = 716 participants. Observational studies demonstrated a significant reduction in total symptom severity (g = −0.70, 95% CI [−1.11, −0.28]; k = 3), whereas randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed a small, non-significant effect (g = −0.23, 95% CI [−0.51, 0.06]; k = 2). Single-study evidence indicates that cannabinoid-based treatment is most consistently associated with improvements in comorbid symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disturbances, but the limited number of studies precluded meta-analysis. In contrast, evidence for improvement in core social communication deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors remains inconsistent. Overall, observational studies generally reported larger effect sizes than RCTs in core symptom improvement. These findings suggest that cannabinoid-based medicines may have therapeutic potential for specific symptom domains in ASD; however, further standardized and controlled research is necessary to clarify efficacy, dosing parameters, subgroup response, and long-term outcomes.

Alexandra Louise Arnett has completed her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from California State University, Fresno, which she proudly holds alongside a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics. She is a dedicated researcher whose work evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis and cannabinoids for autism spectrum disorder. She has authored a comprehensive meta-analysis prepared for journals and advocates for rigorous studies to advance neurodevelopmental interventions.