Zelira Therapeutics Ltd (OTCMKTS: ZLDAF) could be changing the way we approach autism. Zelira is a global therapeutic medicinal cannabis company headquartered in Australia. It works closely with leading researchers and organizations including Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, the Telethon Kids Institute, the University of Western Australia, in Perth, St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in the United States.

Zelira is executing human clinical trials with medical marijuana, focusing on insomnia, opioid reduction, and autism. Subsequently, the company released a white paper detailing the survey results of 50 patients within the Hope Grows for Autism network in Pennsylvania. All of the patients used Ilera Healthcare’s HOPE product line. They were all residents of Pennsylvania and able to legally purchase medicinal cannabis. The findings were astounding.  

The white paper reads, “Respondents who used HOPE 1 tincture with a THC:CBD ratio of 1:1 with Eucalyptol, Valencene and Alpha-Pinene terpenes, HOPE 2 tincture with a THC:CBD ratio of 5:1 with beta-Caryophyllene, Myrcene and Alpha-Bisabolol terpenes or both products for a range of 5-133 days (average of 68 days of use) reported the following: Significant improvements in patient irritability (68%), meltdowns (60%), aggression (55%), anxiety (49%) as well as capacity to focus (38%); while 69% of participants reported an improved quality of life for the patient. In addition, 58% reported improved quality of life for the entire family.” In other words, a THC:CBD tincture of varying doses and a rich terpene profile produced significant improvements and quality of life for the patients. 26% of patients used only HOPE 1, 54% of patients used only HOPE 2, and 20% of patients used both HOPE 1 and HOPE 2. 

According to the data, 0% of patients reported the patient’s symptoms worsening. This is a great example of the cannabis plant’s gentle properties and minimal side effects. Additionally, less than 30% of participants reported no change in symptoms for anxiety, aggression, meltdowns, and irritability, with roughly 42% of participants reporting no change in the patient’s ability to focus. The majority of patients, however, noted significant improvement, with a small percentage noticing some improvement. 

The report acknowledges there are some limitations with the data. All of the survey responses were based on caregiver responses with no control group, nor did the survey collect information on the patient’s ASD history or associated symptoms. Nevertheless, “there is a strong and widely accepted belief that the main caregivers are the most reliable source of information to evaluate the status of a patient with ASD.”

“Our 5-year-old has been on HOPE for just over a year now, it has positively saved our lives!,” said a survey participant. “To think what our day-to-day was and what it is now is just remarkable… Within two weeks of Ilera HOPE the difference was night and day! Sleeping consistently, better appetite, better focus at school, much better overall behavior and mood.”

Dr. Richard Magill is the Medical Director at PA Green Med and said, “All physicians who treat patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder should be aware that HOPE represents a significant addition to the potential tools we have to improve the lives of ASD patients and their families.”