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The Rhode Island Health Department has added autism to its list of conditions that can be treated with marijuana for medical purposes.
Public health officials said that marijuana medical treatment has not yet been allowed for all people with autism. This applies to people with certain symptoms, including non-verbal patients.
Sean, 11-year-old Julie Marchetti's son, is autistic. He has been taking anti-anxiety medication for several months.
"He has very repetitive behaviors. He will retire socially if he fears or feels uncomfortable with it. His eye contact may be very limited, "said Marchetti, who lives in North Providence.
Marchetti's son has limited communication skills. She recently asked her son's pediatric neurologist if Sean could try marijuana for medical purposes. Marchetti told NBC 10 News that she was delighted to learn that it could now be prescribed in Rhode Island for people with autism.
"If it's something we can do to support it, it's natural, as opposed to something chemically created, I think it's worth considering," said Marchetti. .
According to the RIDOH, patients will likely consume marijuana for medical purposes, but it can also be smoked or used as an ointment. Health Department spokesman Joseph Wendelken said doctors should have a conversation with the patient's parents.
Wendelken stated that marijuana treatment for medical purposes only applied to autism spectrum disorders in which certain symptoms were present, including "repetition of a self-stimulating behavior". Such a seriousness that the physical health of people with ASD or other persons is compromised or the inability to communicate with others to a degree of severity such as the physical health of the person with ASD is threatened. "
Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association, has described marijuana for medical purposes as a promising way of treating people with autism.
"I was so happy to hear that," Fournier said. "There are only a few proven treatments for people with autism and it is actually Prozac, an antidepressant and Risperdal."
Marchetti wants to know more and see if marijuana for medical purposes can help her son focus and reduce anxiety.
"I think it's a win on our part for Rhode Island," said Marchetti.
Wendelken said doctors must consider FDA-approved drugs, including CBD-based products, before initiating medical treatment with marijuana. If an FDA-approved drug is not implemented, the doctor should document the reason.
CBD is a chemical active in marijuana, but it will not elevate someone high.
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