Key Takeaways
- Cannabis may help manage autism-related symptoms through specific terpenes like linalool and beta-caryophyllene.
- Combining calming and uplifting terpenes could provide balanced effects for autism patients.
- To choose strains for autism: Consult lab results > Ask professionals > Experiment with options > Look at past experiences.
There’s a plethora of cannabis strains and terpene combinations available to patients nowadays. Many of these products can be used to help treat symptoms of various medical conditions, including autism.
There is no cure for autism, but cannabis may help manage co-occurring symptoms. Identifying the best terpenes for autism can involve some trial and error. Some autistic individuals search for strains with elevated levels of terpenes known for their calming effects.
What are these terpenes, though, and which symptoms of autism could they potentially help relieve?
Which Terpenes Help Most With Autism?
While still in its early stages, research suggests some terpenes might help manage certain symptoms of autism. Findings are not definitive yet; what works can vary widely among patients.
Animal studies have explored the potential benefits of terpenes found in essential oils. Ylang-ylang essential oil, specifically, may contain terpenes, including:
Inhaling the ylang-ylang oil alleviated symptoms of anxiety in autism-like rats. Likewise, it improved cognitive and social abilities. These findings suggest that similar terpenes in cannabis might have the same potential.1,2
However, patient experiences often offer the most valuable insights. According to patients, calming terpenes like linalool and beta-caryophyllene may have soothing properties. These terpenes may help with anxiety, a common co-occurring symptom for many on the autism spectrum.3,4
Research is not definitive, so determining the right terpene combo may take some trial and error. Ultimately, the best terpenes for autism can vary depending on individual needs. It's vital to approach this as a process of exploration. Furthermore, consider consulting with a healthcare provider before incorporating cannabis products into your daily routine.
Which Terpene Combinations Help Most With Autism?
5Individual terpenes like linalool and beta-caryophyllene may offer benefits on their own. Yet, specific terpene combinations might be even more effective in managing autism-associated symptoms. For instance, the best terpenes for relaxation, like linalool, might help someone with autism balance their mood.3 Combining these with uplifting ones, like pinene and terpinolene, could make them all more beneficial.3, The combination might be ideal for autism patients who face anxiety or social challenges.
Research on these specific combinations is still limited. However, the entourage effect may support their combined therapeutic potential. The entourage effect is a theory that suggests cannabis compounds work together to enhance each other's effects. Through this synergy, patients might find relief from certain terpene combos in cannabis products.
Finding the right terpene combination is often a matter of personal exploration. Can cannabis help autism? It may depend on the cannabis strain in question. The best terpenes for autism could vary by person. Patients may need to experiment with different blends to discover what works best.
How to Choose Strains for Autism Based on Terpenes
There are several factors to consider when finding the strain with the best terpenes for autism.
Terpene Profile
When choosing strains for autism, look at the terpene profile in addition to its name and type. Specific strain names might offer guidance, but the real therapeutic potential lies in what terpenes are present. As a result, strains rich in calming terpenes, like linalool and beta-caryophyllene, should be considered. These are often associated with relaxation and anxiety relief. Likewise, uplifting terpenes like pinene and eucalyptol might provide a more balanced effect. The combo might help further with mood regulation and social engagement.
Lab Results
If available, check for a certificate of analysis (COA). A COA provides detailed information about the product, including cannabinoid and terpene ratios. It verifies the presence and concentration of cannabis compounds. Often, a QR code will be on a cannabis product label for convenient access to its lab results.
Professional Advice
It may be best to consult with professionals for those new to this process. Reaching out to a healthcare provider familiar with cannabis may be beneficial. Healthcare providers may offer personalized advice based on your medical history and help you focus on specific symptoms you aim to manage.
A knowledgeable budtender can also be an additional resource for helping you understand and search different terpene profiles.
Since individual responses can vary, experimenting is often necessary to discover what works best. You can also seek advice from other autistic patients who have used cannabis to help narrow down the best strains for your needs.
The 5 Best Strains for Autism Based on Terpenes
Below are five strains that, due to their terpene profiles, may offer calming and uplifting effects. They may also help with mood regulation, anxiety, social challenges, and other autism symptoms.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte's Web's most abundant terpenes include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. Its terpene profile might help with symptoms of pain, anxiety, and stress. Patients report feeling focused and uplifted but also relaxed. Hemp-derived, it's a well-known high-CBD and low-THC strain option.
GMO Cookies contains calming linalool and myrcene with uplifting caryophyllene. Some patients believe the blend is ideal for both relaxation and mood enhancement. Its terpenes might help alleviate anxiety symptoms while promoting a sense of calm. At the same time, its uplifting nature might aid in mood regulation.
Remedy
Another high-CBD strain is Remedy, which is rich in myrcene and pinene. Paired with caryophyllene, it might offer soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. The combo may help manage anxiety with a refreshing burst of mental clarity. It's a go-to strain for autistic patients seeking relaxation and focus. Some report that it even makes it easier to navigate social interactions.
Forbidden V
Containing terpenes like myrcene, caryophyllene, and ocimene, Forbidden V may provide relaxing yet invigorating effects. This may help with physical tension, social anxiety, and confidence. This cultivar also has elevated levels of CBDV, and patients report it gives an ideal energy boost for certain daily symptoms.
Pinewalker
Pinewalker is another cultivar with elevated levels of CBDV. It's known for its high levels of myrcene, caryophyllene, and ocimene. The combination offers several patients calm, focused, and deep body relaxation. At the same time, it may feel energizing. For this reason, some find it a balanced enough strain to use any time of day.
References
- Zhang N, Wang ST, Yao L. Inhalation of Cananga odorata essential oil relieves anxiety behaviors in autism-like rats via regulation of serotonin and dopamine metabolism. J Integr Med. 2023;21(2):205-214. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2023.01.006
↩︎ - Tan LT, Lee LH, Yin WF, et al. Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:896314. doi:10.1155/2015/896314
↩︎ - Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211
↩︎ - Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. Published 2020 Dec 8. doi:10.3390/molecules25245792 ↩︎
- Lewis MA, Russo EB, Smith KM. Pharmacological Foundations of Cannabis Chemovars. Planta Medica. 2017;84(04):225-233. doi:10.1055/s-0043-122240
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
