The European Congress of Psychiatry Presents a Meta-Analysis on the Use of CBD

CBD and Autism in the Spotlight at the European Congress of Psychiatry

Last April, Madrid hosted one of the most important international events on mental health. To the surprise and joy of many, significant attention was given to the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Among the most discussed topics was a comprehensive systematic review of three clinical trials that suggest that CBD may help improve social behaviour in children and adolescents with ASD, as well as reduce disruptive behaviours.

The review analysed data from three randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving a total of 276 participants aged between 5 and 21.

How Were the Clinical Trials on CBD for Autism Conducted?

The trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of CBD-based extracts, starting at doses of 1 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, gradually increasing to 10 mg/kg per day. ASD affects roughly one in every hundred children, with symptoms that may include difficulties in interpreting language, expressing emotions, and engaging in repetitive behaviours and routines.

Thus, this innovative approach responds to the growing interest within the scientific and medical communities in the potential of cannabidiol to improve the quality of life of patients. H2: Study Results: What Does Science Have to Say About CBD and Autism?

The findings presented at the congress point to a notable improvement in participants who received CBD:

• Improved Social Interaction: Patients showed moderate improvements in their ability to engage with their surroundings.
• Reduction in Disruptive Behaviour: A significant decrease was observed in behaviours such as aggression, irritability, and hyperactivity.
• Lower Anxiety: Individuals treated with cannabidiol reported reduced overall anxiety.
• Better Sleep: Although not statistically significant, a positive trend in sleep quality was observed among participants.

These results are promising-not only did CBD demonstrate effectiveness in easing certain ASD symptoms, but it also showed a high safety profile: side effects were mild and similar to those experienced by patients in the placebo group.

However, despite these favourable outcomes, the researchers emphasised the need for larger and longer-term studies. They also noted that although CBD may become a valuable tool for individuals on the autism spectrum, it should not be considered a replacement for existing treatments but rather a complementary option.

Legal Barriers to Accessing CBD for Autism Treatment in Europe

The discussion at the congress offered a ray of hope for many parents who, despite the mounting scientific evidence supporting the benefits of CBD for ASD, still face legal and administrative barriers preventing access to such treatments.

Variability in European Legislation on the Medical Use of CBD

The legal framework surrounding the medicinal use of CBD (and other cannabis-derived compounds) varies widely across European countries. Even among the nations that allow the use of CBD under certain conditions, there are many that maintain restrictions when it comes to autism-related treatments:

• United Kingdom: This is a particularly controversial case-while CBD is legal, its use as a complementary treatment for autism is not officially regulated. As with other cannabis-based therapies, families must currently turn to private clinics, often at significant financial cost.
• Germany and France: Medical use of CBD is permitted, yet ASD is not consistently included among the approved conditions, making it difficult for physicians to prescribe.
• Spain: CBD is not legal for human consumption. Only topical products such as creams and items labelled for "technical use" or "aromatic use" may be sold.

Medicinal use of CBD is currently illegal, although a draft bill to regulate therapeutic cannabis use (including CBD) for certain conditions is currently under review. However, this draft does not include autism among the eligible conditions-meaning families with autistic children would still be excluded.

Lack of Standardised Medical Protocols

One of the key conclusions of these studies is the pressing need for broader research (both in terms of participant numbers and duration) to develop clear and standardised medical protocols.

The absence of official guidelines on dosage and treatment protocols creates uncertainty for both families and healthcare providers.

High Costs and Limited Access

The lack of public healthcare coverage for CBD treatments means that many families cannot afford CBD products from private sources, which forces some of them to turn to the black market, where options are far less reliable and safe.

The Need for a Unified European Legal Framework

The fragmented legal landscape across the European Union underscores the urgent need for a unified legislative approach that ensures safe, subsidised access to CBD-based treatments for autism.

A cohesive policy framework and scientifically backed guidelines would help ensure consistent product quality, greater safety, and improved therapeutic outcomes. For many families with children on the spectrum, these findings offer a glimmer of hope-especially in cases where conventional treatments have shown limited success or caused adverse side effects.

The meta-analysis presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry reinforces what many advocates have long argued: CBD can be a valuable complementary tool for individuals with autism, particularly in managing symptoms like anxiety, aggression, and social interaction challenges.

While more research is needed to establish standardised protocols, the results so far are promising and deserve serious attention from governments aiming to improve quality of life for both patients and their families.