Despite a lack of clear, scientific evidence, some parents reportedly are turning to marijuana to treat autism in children.
The Wall Street Journal writes,
While medical marijuana is prescribed for everything from cancer symptoms to epilepsy to chronic pain and even dementia, its use in children with autism is more controversial.
After all, we know regular use of THC in adolescents can negatively impact their developing brains and lead to a higher risk of mental-health problems.
THC — the main psychoactive substance in marijuana — has been tied to everything from heart disease and cancer to stroke, mental illness, and birth defects.
The Wall Street Journal notes that the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry actually warns against using marijuana to treat autism in children, and The Autism Science Foundation says parents should be “very cautious” about giving THC to kids.
Food, drinks, and other products laced with THC often mimic popular candies that appeal to children, but their high concentrations of THC make these products dangerous.
For years now, public health data across America has shown marijuana products are sending kids to the emergency room and prompting parents to call poison control centers.
This year, multiple bills legalizing THC-infused food and drinks were filed at the Arkansas Legislature. Fortunately, none of those bills passed, and lawmakers actually enacted a measure to prohibit THC in Arkansas.
All of this simply underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
