Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 20 state programs name autism spectrum disorder on the official list, and 9 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding autism spectrum disorder
Some autistic people need little support, while others face daily challenges with communication, sensory overload, sleep, anxiety or behaviors such as aggression and self-injury. Care often includes speech, occupational and behavioral therapies, school supports, and sometimes medicines for irritability, sleep, attention or seizures.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Severe irritability, aggression or self-injury
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Anxiety and sensory overload
- Repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily life
- Seizures, which are more common in autism
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
Does autism spectrum disorder qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaListed as “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoListed as “An autism spectrum disorder”
- CT ConnecticutListed
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- GA GeorgiaListed as “Autism spectrum disorder (severe, for patients …”
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed as “Autism”
- IA IowaListed as “Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious …”
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaListed as “Autism spectrum disorder (with specified severe…”
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganListed as “Autism”
- MN MinnesotaListed as “Autism spectrum disorder (must meet DSM-5)”
- MS MississippiListed as “Autism”
- MO MissouriListed as “Any other chronic, debilitating or other medica…”
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaListed
- NH New HampshireListed as “Autism spectrum disorder (21+; under 21 require…”
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoListed
- NY New YorkListed as “Examples OCM lists include autism, Alzheimer's …”
- ND North DakotaListed
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaListed as “Autism”
- RI Rhode IslandListed
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- TX TexasListed as “Autism”
- UT UtahListed as “Autism”
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Limited evidence. Small studies of CBD-rich products report less irritability and better sleep in some children, but controlled trials are few.
- Research is limited, and no cannabis product is FDA-approved for autism or its core features.
- A randomized trial in Israel found some improvement in disruptive behavior with a CBD-rich whole-plant extract, but results were mixed across the study's measures.
- Observational studies and parent reports describe improvements in agitation, sleep and anxiety for some children, but these studies had no placebo group.
- The FDA-approved CBD medicine Epidiolex treats certain seizure types, which can help autistic people who also have those epilepsy syndromes.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach autism spectrum disorder
Doctors who consider cannabis for autism usually focus on specific targets such as aggression, sleep or anxiety rather than autism itself.
CBD-dominant oils or tinctures with little THC are the most commonly discussed option, especially for children and teens.
Oral forms are preferred because they give steady effects and avoid smoke or vapor, and doses are often timed around sleep or difficult times of day.
Starting very low, changing one thing at a time and keeping a behavior and sleep diary helps families and doctors see whether there is real benefit.
Risks and precautions
- CBD can raise blood levels of some seizure medicines, especially clobazam, and can raise liver enzymes when taken with valproate.
- Cannabis can add to sleepiness from antipsychotics such as risperidone or aripiprazole and from other sedating medicines.
- THC can sometimes cause agitation, anxiety or confusion, particularly in people who have trouble describing how they feel.
- Children and teens are more vulnerable to the effects of THC on the developing brain, so any use should be supervised by a specialist.
- Common side effects such as sleepiness, appetite changes and stomach upset should be tracked, and liver tests may be advised.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A diagnostic evaluation or letter confirming autism spectrum disorder from a developmental pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist.
A full list of current medicines and supplements, including any seizure medicines or antipsychotics.
Notes from therapists or teachers describing the behaviors, sleep or anxiety you want to address.
A diary of target behaviors, sleep and any seizures over several weeks.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for autism spectrum disorder
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Autism spectrum disorder: 9 common questions
Does autism spectrum disorder qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 20 state programs name autism spectrum disorder on the official list, and 9 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list autism spectrum disorder as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Utah. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Oklahoma, Virginia and 1 more, which don't use a fixed list. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for autism spectrum disorder online?
Yes, in 17 of those states — including Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri and 12 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 9 others, such as Alabama, Colorado, Michigan and 6 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can children with autism use medical cannabis?
Some states allow it with a caregiver and a physician's certification, but it should only be done under close medical supervision. Most doctors start with CBD-dominant products and very low THC, because children are more sensitive to THC. Ask your child's pediatrician or neurologist to be part of the plan.
Does CBD or THC work better for autism?
Most studies have used CBD-rich products with a small amount of THC. Higher THC is more likely to cause anxiety, agitation or confusion. A doctor can help you choose a product and adjust slowly while tracking results.
Can cannabis interact with autism medications?
Yes, CBD can change how some medicines are broken down. It can raise levels of clobazam and add to liver effects of valproate, and cannabis can increase sleepiness from antipsychotics such as risperidone. Share a complete medicine list with every doctor involved.
Will cannabis help with aggression or self-injury?
Some parent reports and one randomized trial suggest improvement in disruptive behaviors for some children, but results are not consistent. It should be seen as a possible add-on, not a replacement for behavioral therapy or proven medicines. Track specific behaviors before and after so you can judge honestly.
Can cannabis help an autistic person sleep?
Sleep is one of the most common reasons families try it, and some report better sleep. Evidence is still limited, and good sleep routines and treating any medical causes come first. If you try it, evening use and a sleep diary help you and your doctor see what changes.
How long does it take to see a change?
Some families notice changes in sleep or calm within days, while behavior changes may take several weeks of slow dose adjustment. Changing other medicines or routines at the same time makes it hard to tell what helped. Plan a follow-up with your doctor after a few weeks to review your notes.