Effects of Medicinal Cannabis in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder Associated with Generalized Anxiety

Abstract

Introduction: Medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for several neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with generalized anxiety. ASD is characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, often accompanied by high levels of anxiety, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the regulation of mood and stress response, suggesting that cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), may have therapeutic effects in this context. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted using the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and PubMed databases. Nineteen articles published between 2000 and 2025, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, were selected. Inclusion criteria included studies that addressed the use of medicinal cannabis in ASD and generalized anxiety, while incomplete articles or articles published outside the established period were excluded. Results and discussion: The studies analyzed indicated that medicinal cannabis, particularly CBD, can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve social interaction in individuals with ASD. The proposed mechanisms involve modulation of the endocannabinoid system, influencing neurotransmission and inflammatory processes. However, variability in dosage and formulation of extracts poses a challenge for standardizing treatment. Although the results are promising, the methodological heterogeneity of the studies and the scarcity of randomized clinical trials limit the generalization of the findings. Conclusion: Medicinal cannabis emerges as a potentially effective therapeutic alternative for individuals with ASD associated with generalized anxiety, especially for those who do not respond adequately to conventional therapies. However, additional research, including robust clinical trials, is needed to establish standardized protocols and evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this intervention.