THE USE OF CANNABIS SATIVA IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM (ASD): A LITERATURE REVIEWTÍTULO DO TRABALHO EM INGLÊS

Abstract

In recent years, Cannabis sativa has gained notoriety on the global therapeutic scene, with an increasing number of countries recognizing and regulating its medicinal use. This growth is due, in part, to the publication of studies demonstrating the benefits of the plant in various conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the neurobiological effects of cannabinoids in ASD, describe the efficacy and safety of the chemical components of Cannabis sativa in the treatment, and explore appropriate forms of administration for patients with ASD. The methodology used was an integrative review of the literature, carried out in the VHL, PubMed and SciELO databases, selecting studies published between 2019 and 2023, available in Portuguese and English, being clinical, epidemiological, systematic and integrative reviews. Articles that did not meet the study objectives, were not available in full and were duplicates were excluded. Through data collection, it was possible to identify 18 articles relevant to the analysis of the use of cannabis in the treatment of ASD symptoms. Research has revealed that cannabinoids, especially CBD, have the potential to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety and repetitive behaviors. However, long-term safety and optimal dose are still points of debate, with mixed evidence on efficacy in various ASD subgroups. The use of Cannabis sativa in the treatment of ASD shows promise, but more robust clinical studies are needed to establish clear guidelines on its therapeutic use, safety and administration.