Cannabidiol for treatment of irritability and aggressive behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: background and methods of the cannabidiol study in children with autism spectrum disorder study

Abstract Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with behavioral challenges. There are few evidence based pharmacological interventions available for the treatment of behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating component of cannabis, has known neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects and may be useful in treating the behavioral symptoms of ASD. Methods: We describe the research methods of a 27-week randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral CBD