Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities and the Medicinal Use of Cannabis
The campaign running from August 21 to 28 is an important moment to discuss how CBD can be an ally for these patients
Published on 08/23/2022
By João R. Negromonte
Celebrated since 1964, the National Week of People with Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities, which runs from August 21 to 28, is an annual campaign developed by the National Federation of Apaes (Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Individuals) aimed at raising awareness, social inclusion, and combating prejudice and discrimination.
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According to the United Nations (UN), people with disabilities are those with long-term or short-term impairments of a physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory nature. But how can cannabis contribute to these patients?
According to a study conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, a pediatric medical research center in Australia, cannabis, more precisely cannabidiol (CBD), showed promising results in reducing aggression, self-harm, and irritability related to intellectual disabilities.
In a survey with 10 young individuals aged between 8 and 16 years, researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, meaning that the doctors did not know who received the medication being tested or who received the placebo. Upon concluding the research, they found that participants who received CBD treatment showed a reduction in the ABC-I scale, which measures the severity of irritability. In addition to the results themselves, the substances did not present significant side effects, indicating safety in conducting the treatment.
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Another recent study, developed by the team of Professor Dr. Andrés Ozaia at Pompeu Fabra University, conducted tests with laboratory rats. According to the scientists, a possible cause of cognitive deficits in people with Down syndrome, a condition characterized by intellectual disability, is directly related to the functioning of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Patients who exhibited pronounced memory problems, characterized by some dysfunction in the hypothalamus region of the brain, are typically those living with the syndrome. In the tests conducted, according to information collected from the Brazilian Association of Distribution and Logistics of Pharmaceutical Products (Abradilan), the rodents showed a superexpression of cannabinoid receptors of the CB1 type. As a result, inhibitory neurons prevail over excitatory ones, which could disrupt brain function. That is, for researchers, CBD could be an important ally in restoring balance and helping individuals with Down syndrome improve cognitive ability.
It is a fact that more studies are still needed to prove the efficacy of cannabinoid therapy for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities. However, the results obtained so far bring some relief to the thousands of families living with these patients and who are constantly seeking an alternative that is truly effective and does not have as many adverse effects, like cannabis.
