Minnesota's autism patient data shows symptom relief, with big asterisks

Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management analyzed autistic patients enrolled in the state medical program between August 2018 and July 2024: 1,811 enrolled, 1,645 of whom purchased product.

Among those with severe anxiety, 57 percent reported at least a 30 percent symptom reduction within four months, and 63.4 percent of those with severe depression hit the same mark. About 37 percent saw sustained sleep improvements. Adverse effects were reported by 19.5 percent, mostly mild.

The report cannot compare results with a control or placebo group, and it does not account for other treatments. Minors mostly chose oral products at 85.3 percent, while adults favored inhaled products with higher THC.

This is useful program data, not proof of efficacy. It gives clinicians and regulators a baseline, and it strengthens the case for the controlled trials still needed.