Autism: Is Medical Marijuana the Answer?

It is believed that cannabis was used for medicinal purposes as far back as 2737 B.C.  In 18th century America, it was prescribed to help alleviate pain from various diseases. However as the years progressed and concerns of its addictive qualities came into question, the culture of cannabis changed in most countries [1]. 
 
With more sophisticated medicine in this day and age, is medical marijuana obsolete or even as effective as was believed or as archaic and barbaric as leeches as medicine?  Or has the societal and political prejudices of cannabis prevented a complete scientific study on its benefits and deficiencies?   What about the parents who are using this to treat their autistic children? 
 
Myung-Ok Lee is a mother whose child falls on the more severe spectrum of autism.  Her child, at nine, has already had two painful operations including a spinal cord tumor, compounded by an inability to effectively communicate his pain or discomfort [2]. His violent outburst at school had become so fervent, that teachers wore body gear to protect themselves.  The only solution seemed to be Risperdal [3].
 
First, it is important to note there is no medical cure for autism.  Most medicine prescribed as forms of autism treatment are more for the treatment of autism symptoms.  Risperdal is one of the more promising and prescribed medications to help alleviate such autism symptoms as violence, agitation, or other behavior issues [4].
 
Some of the side effects of Risperdal include weight gain, seizures, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, unwanted breast milk, a rise in cholesterol levels that can lead to heart problems, among others [5]. In four years, at least 45 children’s deaths could be attributed to risperdal or similar forms of medication [2].
 
The side effects of marijuana include a decrease in memory retention, increased heart rate, an increased risk of cancer; can cause health risks for babies exposed during the stages of pregnancy, as well as other symptoms [6].
 
Myung-Ok Lee decided that she was not willing to expose her child to such risk, and after conversations with her doctor decided to use marijuana infused oil as a form of autism treatment.  In North Carolina, another mother had trouble with her autistic child, Sam, who seemed to display the same autism symptoms of aggression.  Unlike Myung-Ok Lee, Sam’s mother put him on Risperdal.
 
After a few months he had gained twenty pounds and was still violent.  Sam’s father now grows cannabis in the back yard and Sam is given it in his food to treat his autism. In both cases, parents of both children note an improvement in behavior, advancement in school, as well as a marked decrease in aggressive behavior [3].
 
Did these parents uncover new frontiers for alternative forms of autism treatment?  Are they taking the easier way out?  Is this a placebo that doesn’t actual deal with the symptoms of autism but covers it in a drug infused haze?  Or are our prejudices on cannabis not allowing us to discover the potential merits of medical marijuana?