While studies have researched if CBD is effective reducing seizure frequency and more, there is lack of research on this topic. We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before giving your child CBD.
No, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.
Parents may try CBD for their kids for stress, discomfort, tension, focus, sense of calm, and more.
CBD is everywhere these days. From CBD oil, gummies, or lotions for kids, it seems like everyone is talking about the potential benefits of this non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. But when it comes to giving CBD to our children, many of us have questions and concerns.
While CBD has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of well-being concerns in adults, the safety and effectiveness of using CBD for kids is still an area of ongoing research. (5) With so many parents looking for natural alternatives to traditional medication for well-being it’s important to understand the potential risks and benefits of using CBD for children.
That’s why we’re here to break down the science behind CBD and give you the information you need to make an informed decision. We need to stress that by no means are we recommending you give your child CBD without direct instructions from their doctor. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply someone who’s curious about the potential benefits of CBD, this blog post is for you. So let’s dive in!
Understanding CBD
Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more well-known counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce the “high” commonly associated with marijuana use. Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a wide variety of physiological processes.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors found throughout the body, including the brain, immune system, and various organs. These receptors interact with cannabinoids, including those found in the cannabis plant, in order to maintain balance and homeostasis. When CBD is consumed, it interacts with these receptors and can have a variety of effects on the body, depending on the individual.
Some of the most well-known potential benefits of CBD include soothing discomfort and tension, uplifting mood, relieving stress, and promoting recovery. (5) More research is needed to fully understand how CBD works in the body and to confirm its effectiveness for various conditions. It’s also important to note that the FDA has not approved CBD for use in children, and more research is needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of using CBD for children.
Is CBD Safe For Kids? | Safety Concerns
When it comes to the safety and concerns of giving CBD to children, there is still much to be learned. While some studies have researched if CBD is effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy, there is a lack of research on the topic and more studies should be conducted. Furthermore, there are concerns about the reliability of CBD products on the market and potential interactions with other medications. This section will delve into the current research on the safety of CBD for children, as well as address some of the concerns and considerations parents should keep in mind when considering giving CBD to their child.
There have been a limited number of studies on the safety and efficacy of CBD for kids.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics studied if CBD was effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. They also studied if CBD was well-tolerated with few side effects (3).
Another study in 2017 researched if the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in children and young adults with highly treatment-resistant epilepsy may be an effective method of reducing seizure frequency. However, the study’s authors also note that further research, specifically randomized controlled trials, are needed to fully understand the effects of CBD in children and young adults (1).
In general, the potential side effects of CBD in children are similar to those seen in adults and may include drowsiness, dry mouth, and diarrhea. It’s important to note that, according to the World Health Organization, CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile and no public health related problems have been associated with the use of pure CBD (6).
It’s also important to note that most of the studies that have been done on CBD and children have been preclinical studies.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before giving your child CBD and to ensure that you are using a high-quality, lab-tested product.
Concerns
When it comes to giving CBD to children, parents understandably have many concerns – from the reliability of products on the market, to potential side effects and interactions with other medications. This section will address some of the key concerns parents may have, including the purity and consistency of CBD products, the lack of regulation in the industry, and the potential for CBD to interact with other medications a child may be taking. It is important for parents to be well-informed and aware of these concerns before making a decision about giving CBD to their child.
Absorption
Another concern is the amount of CBD that is actually absorbed by the body when using different products and delivery methods. There is limited research on how much CBD is effectively delivered to the brain when using various methods such as vaping, oral consumption, and eating baked goods. The oils that the CBD is dissolved in can also affect the rate of delivery and effectiveness.
Reliability
The reliability of CBD products is a concern as they may not consistently deliver the advertised amount of CBD. There is often a lack of independent verification for the active contents of these products, making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are getting. Studies have shown that many products on the market do not contain the amount of CBD advertised on the label.
Substances
One concern with CBD products is that they may contain substances other than CBD that could be harmful. Without mandatory lab testing for CBD products in all states, it can be difficult to verify the safety of the product. In some cases, products that are labeled as CBD may contain other harmful substances, and have been linked to recent illnesses and deaths related to vaping. This is why the CDC and the American Medical Association recommend avoiding vaping entirely until more research is conducted.
Interactions
Another concern is that CBD may interact with other medications a child is taking, as it is metabolized in the liver. While CBD may be safe on its own, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it does not interact with any other medications a child may be taking.
Dosage
Determining the appropriate dosage of CBD for children can be challenging as the use of CBD, especially for kids, is still relatively new. There is limited knowledge about dosing for children, and the amount recommended for clinical use may differ significantly from what is available at a coffee shop or other retail outlets. Without proper guidance, it can be difficult for parents to know how much CBD to give their child.
Potential Uses of CBD for Kids
It’s crucial to acknowledge that although CBD may hold promise as a therapeutic option for children, it is not advisable to administer CBD to children without the advice and supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. Parents and caregivers must seek the counsel of a pediatrician or another qualified healthcare provider before contemplating the use of CBD on a child. Additionally, it’s vital to confirm that any CBD products utilized are of superior quality, undergo laboratory testing, and possess a certificate of analysis.
Here are some of the reasons parents might try CBD:
Anxiety?
Seizures?
CBD has been studied as a treatment for seizures, particularly in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Some studies have researched CBD’s potential to help reduce seizure frequency in children with this condition. (1) Epidiolex is the first FDA approved CBD based medication for two rare forms of epilepsy, those being Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome.
Pain?
CBD has been studied for its potential to relieve tension and discomfort. There is a pharmaceutical product called Nabiximols that is a mix of THC and CBD which has shown promising results.
PTSD?
CBD has been studied for its potential to help with symptoms of PTSD. (2)
ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adolescents. CBD has been studied as a potential alternative for those diagnosed with ADHD and its potential to help support focus.
It is worth noting that while some studies have found promising results for these conditions, more research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of CBD for children.
One of the main concerns around dosing CBD in children is the lack of established dosing guidelines. The appropriate dosage can vary depending on the child’s age, weight, and their condition. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. It is also important to note that CBD products are not currently regulated by the FDA, which means that there is a wide variation in product quality and dosing. It is important to use a reputable brand and obtain a certificate of analysis for the product.
As well, consider potential drug interactions when giving CBD to children, as CBD can affect the metabolism of other medications a child may be taking. It is essential to consult with a pediatrician or other qualified healthcare professional before giving CBD to a child and to monitor the child for any potential side effects.
Conclusion
Alright, let’s break it down! We’ve talked about how CBD is all the rage right now, but when it comes to giving it to kids, it’s understandable to have some questions and concerns.We’ve discussed the potential benefits of CBD for kids. But remember, it’s super important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before giving it to your little ones.
We’ve also touched on some concerns, such as the reliability of products and the lack of regulation in the industry. That’s why it’s important to do your research and only buy from reputable sources.
When it comes to administering CBD, there are a variety of options like CBD gummies for kids or CBD oil for kids. But again, dosing should be closely monitored under the guidance of a doctor.
In short, CBD may have potential benefits for children but it should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Keep in mind that research on CBD for children is still ongoing, so it’s important to stay informed and make informed decisions for your child’s health.
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Works Cited
1. Devinsky, Orrin, et al. “Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial.” Science Direct, 2016, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1474442215003798. Accessed 28 1 2023.
2. Elms, Lucas, et al. “Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series.” Liebertpub, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2019, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2018.0437. Accessed 28 1 2023.
3. GWPCARE4 Study Group. “Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial.” Northwestern Scholars, 1 January 2018, https://www.scholars.northwestern.edu/en/publications/cannabidiol-in-patients-with-seizures-associated-with-lennox-gast. Accessed 28 January 2023.
4. Mastaka, Nobuo. “Anxiolytic Effects of Repeated Cannabidiol Treatment in Teenagers With Social Anxiety Disorders.” Frontiers, 2019, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02466/full. Accessed 28 January 2023.
5. Reddy, Doodipala S. “Therapeutic and clinical foundations of cannabidiol therapy for difficult-to-treat seizures in children and adults with refractory epilepsies.” Science Direct, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001448862200262X. Accessed 28 1 2023.
6. WHO. “CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report.” World Health Organization (WHO), 2018, https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2. Accessed 8 February 2023.1.
