Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared with Commonly Used Medications.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of medications commonly used in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare this to what current research has shown regarding medical cannabis use in this population. Methods: Searches were performed to collect information surrounding currently used medications and their safety and efficacy profiles, biologic plausibility of cannabis use for symptoms of ASD, and studies detailing cannabis' safety and efficacy profile for use in the ASD population. Results were used to compare medications to cannabis as a proposed treatment. Results: The heterogeneity of ASD produces great difficulties in finding appropriate treatment, leading to many medication changes or treatment trials throughout a patient's life. Commonly prescribed medications display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability between patients and symptoms targeted. Some of the most common side effects cited are also considered the most troubling symptoms associated with ASD; aggression, anxiety, irritability, and a negative effect on cognition, leading many patients to discontinue use as the side effects outweigh benefits. Recent case reports and retrospective studies have displayed the potential efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich medical cannabis use for treating both core symptoms of ASD and many comorbid symptoms such as irritability and sleep problems. Studies have also identified circulating endocannabinoids as a possible biomarker for ASD, providing another possible method of diagnosis. Conclusions: Currently, there are no approved medications for the core symptoms of ASD and only two medications Food and Drug Administration approved for associated irritability. Prescribed medications for symptoms associated with ASD display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability among the heterogeneous ASD population. At the time of this study there are no published placebo-controlled trials of medical cannabis for ASD and the observational studies have limitations. CBD-rich medical cannabis seems to be an effective, tolerable, and relatively safe option for many symptoms associated with ASD, however, the long-term safety is unknown at this time.

Cannabis-Infused Edible Products in Colorado: Food Safety and Public Health Implications.

Cannabis-infused "edibles" are a popular means of cannabis use, and the variety of edible food products available to consumers continues to grow. Although there has been much discussion on dose standardization, childproof packaging, and the prevention of overconsumption, the important topic of food safety has received less attention.We discuss potential food safety hazards associated with cannabis-infused edible food products, drawing on examples from Colorado, and describe edible-associated foodborne illness outbreaks and other contamination events.It is important for public health agencies, particularly environmental health and enteric disease programs, to be familiar with the cannabis industry, including regulatory partners, signs and symptoms of cannabis ingestion, the scope of edible products sold and consumed, and the food safety risks unique to cannabis products.

Marijuana exposures in Colorado, reported to regional poison centre, 2000-2018.

The objective was to evaluate trends in marijuana exposures reported to the Colorado regional poison centre (RPC). Human exposures cases from the Colorado RPC obtained from 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2018 using generic marijuana exposure codes. There were 2221 marijuana exposures, with an increase in exposures by 11.2 cases per year (p<0.0001). Annual cases remained steady since 2014 (p=0.22), with a 19.4% increase in 2018 compared with 2017. Since 2014, the largest increase was in children age 0-8 years (p<0.0001). Edible marijuana exposures increased by 9.6 exposures per year from 2015 to 2018 (p=0.04). After observing an increase in Colorado RPC marijuana exposure cases in 2010 and 2014, annual exposures have been stable through 2017, with the first increase in legalised recreational sales era in 2018. There are specific concerns for the paediatric population and exposures involving edibles, as these cases continue to increase.