Anti-Aging & Medical Cannabis Blog

Are you searching to find out about Delaware medical marijuana for autism with self-injurious or aggressive behavior? It is completely understandable that you would search for alternatives with conditions like autism since this condition can cause difficulties with social skills, nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, and can impact your quality of life. 

The good news is that as a Delaware resident a person can access medical marijuana for autism with self-injurious or aggressive behavior. If the patient has autism and has questions about the possibility of obtaining a Delaware medical marijuana card, the team at Green Relief Health is here to help! Our Patient Care Coordinators can be reached Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 302-564-9994 or by scheduling an appointment here.

What Is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention issues.

Can Delaware Medical Marijuana Help Autism

There is a growing body of anecdotal research that shows that cannabis can help with self-injurious and aggressive behavior related to autism. Medical marijuana has been known to help alleviate outbursts of rage, temper tantrums, seizures and more with patients with autism. It is common for patients that use medical marijuana for autism with aggressive behavior to become extremely relaxed. In this way medical cannabis can serve as a behavior modification tool that can help the health and safety of an autistic patient.

Medical Cannabis For Seizures

One particularly frightening aspect of autism are the seizures that some patients experience. One part of the cannabis plant is CBD. CBD or cannabidiol has been shown to be effective in helping to alleviate seizure disorders. In fact, there is a CBD-based drug on the marketplace called Epidiolex that is FDA approved to treat seizure disorders. The research for CBD and seizures is extremely promising and is one reason why some may choose medical cannabis as an alternative for autism. 

Medical Marijuana For Sleep

Unfortunately, many that suffer from autism also can have a difficulty either falling asleep or staying asleep. Whether this difficulty sleeping stems from restlessness to other issues related to autism it is understandable that many are looking to cannabis for help. Cannabis is known for its sedative qualities. It can help with both a calming effect and helping to fall asleep. One part of the cannabis plant is a cannabinoid called CBN. This cannabinoid is often referred to as the sleepy cannabinoid. When you consumer medical marijuana you are consuming this cannabinoid among others that can help you sleep.

Delaware Medical Marijuana For Calming Benefits

The most important benefit for someone dealing with self-injurious or aggressive behavior with autism is the calming effects that medical cannabis can deliver. Medical marijuana has emerged as an efficient way to produce a calming effect due to the endocannabinoid system, an intricate network of receptors in the body that runs parallel with our nervous and immune systems. Our endocannabinoid systems play a critical role in several physiological processes, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Mood
  • Appetite regulation
  • Stress

When phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD enter our body through medical marijuana, they bind to our endocannabinoid receptors, resulting in a biological response that regulates our abilities to experience a calming sensation. This calming sensation can be particularly useful for someone with autism that is experiencing aggressive or self-injurious behavior.

Can I Get A Medical Card For Autism With Aggressive or Self-Injurious Behavior in Delaware?

The good news is that you can get a medical card for autism with aggressive or self-injurious behavior in Delaware. The state of Delaware has 14 conditions specifically listed in the law and autism is one listed in the law. To qualify for Delaware medical marijuana for autism you will need to be able to document the autism diagnosis.

A patient can document their autism through their medical history. They will need to be able to show that in their medical history that they have been seen by a provider for this condition. Inside of the patient’s medical history there will be notes a provider has made to document the existence of autism with aggressive or self-injurious behavior.

Getting Your Delaware Medical Card For Autism With Aggressive or Self-Injurious Behavior

Once it is determined that the patient has a proper qualifying condition for a medical card for autism, they will need to see a certified medical cannabis doctor in Delaware. The provider will meet with the patient to go over their medical history and qualifying condition. If the provider finds that they meet the criteria to qualify for a medical card in the state of Delaware, they will then be able to submit their application to the Delaware Office of Medical Marijuana.

After the doctor’s visit there is still one step to go to qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card. The patient will then need to submit an application to the state of Delaware to verify their residency in the state. In addition, they will sign a form to release their medical information to the state of Delaware which is a part of the approval process. This process can either be done online or through the mail. There is a $50 application fee to submit this application to the state of Delaware, which is important to keep in mind.

How Can Green Relief Health Help?

If you’re curious about whether a loved one may qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card for autism with aggressive or self-injurious behavior, reach out to us today! If you’d like to speak with a Green Relief Health team member, you may contact our office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On our website you can also find a large selection of educational blogs, an FAQ page with answers to frequently asked questions, and our own line of hemp-derived CBD that’s recommended by physicians!

Author

Ryan Nawrocki