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Study Will Test CBD Gel's Effects On Fragile X Syndrome

A study will soon be underway to see if an experimental CBD gel, which does not contain psychoactive properties, could help treat some common behaviors in children and adolescents with a condition known as Fragile X syndrome. 

Fragile X is an intellectual disability that can cause an array of social and behavioral challenges.

"Fragile X is only seen in about 1.4 per 10,000 males or 0.9 per 10,000 females. So possibly in the whole of Arizona there might be 900 individuals with this condition," said Melmed

Melmed says they will likely recruit participants outside the state. Fragile X is the most common genetic cause of autism

He says there’s an endocannabinoid system in the brain, which is a system of neuro transmitters, that helps regulates a person’s emotional responses.

"And that individuals with Fragile X these are dysregulated and that’s what considered to be a possible cause for underlying social and behavioral issues. So there’s possible impact CBD oil could have on those particular neurotransmitters," he said.

Melmed says there is no THC in the CBD gel that will be use in the study. Fragile X is a rare condition with no cure and no approved drug treatment options.

For more information about this upcoming study, visit CONNECT-FX trial website

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KJZZ senior field correspondent Kathy Ritchie has 20 years of experience reporting and writing stories for national and local media outlets — nearly a decade of it has been spent in public media.