Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Autism ~ Putting the Pieces Together

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a very complex condition. Causation is different in every individual as are the symptoms and behaviors. A personalized approach is necessary, each individual is so very different and some, very complex.

Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders, affecting 1 in 68 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its debilitating symptoms include impaired communication and social skills, along with compulsive and repetitive behaviors. Autism typically emerges in infancy or early childhood.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by communication deficits, aberrant social behavior, and restricted and repetitive motor behaviors. In many cases, ASD symptoms are the result of reduced inhibition in the brain. For instance, genetic causes can lead to the reduced activity of inhibitory brain cell neurons, tipping the brain’s balance toward excitation. This is reflected in some as hypersensitivity to stimuli, such as to lights, odors, noises, or tactile stimuli that makes the individual act “abnormally” in social situations. Hormonal fluctuations through a typical early onset puberty don't make things any easier. Onset of puberty with it's extreme hormonal fluctuations may be a critical component regarding aggression that is found to occur more frequently and violently. This aggression may be self-injurious, or directed to others. 

Studies have shown that 1 in 4 children diagnosed with autism exhibit aggressive behavior, such as hitting others, destroying property or throwing temper tantrums. Aggression can be very extreme. Children with significant aggressive behavior tend to have mood and anxiety symptoms, and difficulty sleeping and paying attention. 

CB Receptors and the Brain's Built In Safety Mechanism ~
​Why Cannabis Has Never Killed Anyone

The brain is amazing, and it comes with it's own safety feature to ensure that cannabinoids cannot harm the individual. It does this in a manner of receptor deprivation.

The medulla oblongata is the lower half of the brainstem. It is often referred to simply as the medulla. The medulla deals with the autonomic (involuntary) functions of breathing, heart rate, and blood pressue.

There are two types of cannabinoid receptors are called CB1 and CB2. Both are found throughout the body, but are most common in the brain and immune system.

The medulla oblongata has no CB1 receptors. 

It is important for people to understand this, as this explains why Cannabis and Hemp have never killed anyone in history. It cannot possibly kill you if it cannot affect you. With no CB1 receptors on the medulla oblongata, there is no way to affect it and stop autonomic function.

Meet The Endocannabinoid System

Terpenes

Welcome to terpenes! Not just cannabis terpenes - all terpenes.

Terpenes surround us everyday, everywhere. Stick your nose in a rose or jasmine flower. That sweet, intoxicating smell is the essential oil, or terpene of the flower.

Cannabis and Hemp have multitudes of terpenes. The terpene profile is what determines the strain of the plant.

In my experience working with clients and enhancing their protocols with terpenes I have had great success, allowing for micro-dosing of cannabinoids as the terpenes act as signalers, a type of GPS system for the Endocannabinoid System. In utilizing a vast array of terpenes and understanding how they work in the Essential Oil world, we develop the capability to dial in treatment and focus on problem areas. As every individual is so different, it is trial and error to determine protocol, and even post determination caregivers must be adaptable to changing routine based on individuals emotional well being for the day. The terpenes can be applied completely separately from the cannabinoid therapy in something as simple as a roller ball for topical application and affect the limbic system as well as the endocannabinoid system.

When I studied the brain in College I was fascinated by the limbic system and it's capabilities. As I progressed with my consulting for Cannabis patients over the years it was easy to see the connection between the cannabinoids, limbic system, and now, terpenes.

Over the years, I have helped many patients choose their medicine. In Colorado my clients had fantastic access - multitudes of strains. They ALWAYS stuck their nose in a jar to pick their medicine as full flower was prevalent. Not one of those clients spent a dime on something that didn't smell good to them. Their nose picked their meds.

If you think about it - the nose is really the only way the Endocannabinoid System has to communicate it's needs immediately. When those clients found the strain that smelled appealing to them - they typically had a drool response. It is my belief that the body is saying "Yup! That's the one! I need that!" when the terpene profile makes a person drool. This excites the amygdala resulting in a pleasure response.

This is just the beginning of what I plan to share. I've been working with the autistic since I was 18 - my first job with them in an assisted living group home before I even went to college. I have always been fascinated by spectrum children and adults. I've always wanted to help connect the dots and make their lives better.

It is my intent what I share here will help.

I would also like to offer my services. Consulting is available, and when folks source their Terpenes and CBD products through me, I counsel them through treatment. It is very frustrating to me to see so many people jump on the train to health and not have assistance. Cannabinoid and Terpene Medicine is very new to people - they NEED HELP.

That's where I guess I'm different. I believe we need so many more people doing what I'm doing to help people, and I'm willing to help you. There's only one of me, and I cannot clone myself unfortunately. Healers, please come forward!

If you like what you see, please share with folks of like mind. My wish is to find comfort for Spectrum individuals and their families. As many as we can out there. We can do that with a protocol of oils and the proper therapies.

Over time I will be sharing oils and information regarding terpene enhancing protocols for many conditions. I specialize in ASD but work with clients with multitudes of conditions as well as chronic pain.

Be sure to subscribe below - and for gosh sake please don't ever be afraid to reach out or call.

I realize this is all very new to people. We need so much more research. Even the scientists are all still learning. My hope is that we continue to learn together. Families working together for what's best for their loved ones. A think tank of information to share far and wide in the best interest of our loved ones.

Hiedi Handford
My Medicine Consulting
Terpene Healer
305-978-3595
[email protected]

Follow us on Facebook

My Medicine Consulting
Terpene Healer