Can Marijuana Treat Autism?on: January 05, 2015In: Uncategorized Researchers at Stanford University suggest that treating autism with marijuana is possible. They suggest that the debilitating effects of autism are primarily caused by a gene mutation that blocks the body’s naturally produced cannabinoids. Naturally occurring cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids and are responsible for the way neurons communicate with each other. Stanford found that the mutation of the neurologin-3 gene, which is responsible for creating and sustaining normal communication between brain cells, appears to have a direct correlation to autism. Introducing a phytocannabinoid like marijuana, may help to alleviate some of this effect. Researchers at the University of Irvine support the findings of Stanford. They performed a study of mice with fragile X syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. The mice were dosed with THC, and “showed dramatic behavioral improvements in maze tests measuring anxiety and open-space acceptance.” Although giving marijuana to those with autism, especially children, is not yet recommended, this research points to a treatment that may help families trying to help their autistic children cope better with their disability.
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