Medical Marijuana For Autism Patients In Alabama
Can Medical Marijuana be used to Treat Autism Spectrum Disorder in Alabama?
Autism spectrum disorder is the full name for a variety of related neurological disorders that are often called simply autism. Autism generally reveals itself in an individual by the time they are 3, and it impairs development in areas of the brain associated with communication, socialization, and cognition.
The condition can also cause repetitive thoughts and behaviors and is commonly associated with a range of other issues, such as poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and, quite often, epilepsy.
Autism cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can make its symptoms and related conditions more tolerable. Fortunately, for Alabamans who have autism or love someone who does, medical marijuana is one of those treatments.
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Alabama Recognizes Autism as a Qualifying Condition to Use Medical Marijuana
Alabamans now have an additional, and highly effective, treatment option thanks to the passage of SB 46, the state’s medical marijuana law. And they can thank advocates like Melissa Mullins, of Republicans Against Medical Prohibition, for working tirelessly to make sure SB 46 passed.
Mullins was moved to get involved in part because her daughter has autism. In April of 2021, she testified before the House’s Alabama Health Committee in support of the SB 46, saying “I should not have to drive my daughter halfway across the country away from her grandparents for treatment. Please allow help for my family and other families.”
Fortunately, state lawmakers and the governor listened.
How Do We Know That Autism Can be Treated with Medical Marijuana?
Individuals with autism can find relief with medical marijuana, because it can treat the symptoms of conditions that are commonly associated with autism while also treating some of the behavioral issues caused by the condition itself.
Cannabis for Depression
Depression often afflicts people with autism and that medical marijuana can help alleviate. The medicine can activate chemicals in the brain linked to feelings of wellbeing. It essentially acts as an antidepressant and can lead to significant relief in the severity of depression.
Medical Marijuana to Treat Epilepsy
Epilepsy is another condition commonly associated with autism. Epilepsy occurs with much higher frequency among people with autism than it does among the general population. And autism occurs among individuals with epilepsy with much higher frequency than it does among people who don’t have epilepsy. Although researchers don’t yet understand the link between the two conditions, they have found that medical marijuana can be a safe, effective treatment for epilepsy.
THC Reduces Neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation is another condition that commonly occurs alongside autism. This inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord can lead to a variety of health complications including mental health issues, chronic pain, and impaired cognition. And, as with epilepsy and depression, medical marijuana has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing neuroinflammation.
Autism-Related Behavioral Issues
But medical marijuana is also an effective treatment for some of the symptoms believed to be direct consequences of autism. Research has shown that cannabis use can lead to significant reductions in disruptive behavior. One study even found that six months of medical marijuana use led to improved mood, quality of life, concentration, sleep, and ability to dress and shower independently.
Let Alabama Marijuana Card Help You Decide if Medical Marijuana is Right for You or Your Loved One With Autism
With so much about autism still unknown, it can be scary to make health decisions for you or your loved ones with autism.
Fortunately, there are places you can turn to for help, and Alabama Marijuana Card would like to be one of them. Our doctors are empathetic and passionate: They feel empathy for their patients and the challenges they face, and they feel passionately about helping them find relief with medical marijuana if it's the best treatment for them.
Reserve an evaluation today with one of our highly trained marijuana doctors, and we’ll book your appointment just as soon as Alabama’s medical marijuana market is up and running. Not only will you save $25 off the cost of your evaluation, but the total cost will be refunded if you and your doctor decide together that medical marijuana isn’t right for you after all!