Clinical trial of medicinal cannabis for adults with autism

A NEW clinical trial at Southern Cross University is seeking participants to study whether medicinal cannabis can help manage anxiety in adults with autism.

The trial is funded by Australian company Medibis Pty Ltd and will be held at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine on the Lismore campus.

Principal investigators Dr Janet Schloss and professor Andrew Cashin will lead the program.

Cashin, a professor of autism and intellectual disability in the School of Health and Human Sciences, focuses on the management of adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

“The conduct of this clinical trial will allow us to understand if medicinal cannabis could offer benefit in adults living with ASD,” Cashin said.

Schloss was part of the world’s first clinical trials on medicinal cannabis for aggressive brain cancers.

Her work has focused on natural therapies such as medicinal cannabis and supplements to improve survival rates, reduce brain swelling, and enhance quality of life for patients.

“Research is about how we can help make a difference to the individual,” Schloss said.

“Even if it works for just a percentage of people, I’ve made a difference, and that’s the best feeling.”

The research team is seeking healthy people over 18 with a confirmed autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

Twenty-four people will be recruited into the trial over the coming months.

The 15-week program includes six face-to-face appointments at the clinical trials centre, along with blood and urine tests.

The centre is recognised internationally for its research and clinical practice in naturopathic medicine and health education.

For more information or to express interest, visit the Southern Cross University website or email [email protected] .