CBD for Kids: Is It Safe and Effective for Medical Use?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is often used as an alternative treatment for various medical conditions, including anxiety, seizures, and chronic pain. While CBD is gaining popularity among adults, some parents are now considering using it for their children.

In this article, we will discuss the safety and effectiveness of using CBD for kids, including its medical uses, recommended dosage, administration methods, legal and ethical considerations, and more.

Is CBD Safe for Kids?

One of the biggest concerns about using CBD in children is its safety. Currently, there is limited research on the long-term effects of CBD use in children. However, the available research suggests that CBD is generally safe for kids.

Current Research on CBD Safety in Children

A 2018 review published in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics examined the safety and efficacy of CBD in children with epilepsy. The researchers found that CBD was generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with epilepsy.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2019 evaluated the safety and efficacy of CBD in children with autism. The researchers found that CBD was well-tolerated and improved autism-related symptoms in children.

The safety of CBD gummies for children: what you need to know

Potential Side Effects of CBD in Children

While CBD is generally considered safe for kids, it can cause side effects in some cases if mixed with other medications. Some of the potential side effects of CBD in children include:

Drowsiness
Fatigue
Changes in appetite

Risks of THC Contamination in CBD Products

CBD products may also contain THC, another chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. THC is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use and can have negative effects on children’s cognitive development. Parents should be cautious when selecting CBD products for their children and ensure that they choose products with low levels of THC or no THC. Today many products are on store shelves marketed toward kids. Most of these products are Delta-8 and should be avoided. They are made by using chemicals on isolated CBD to change the molecule structure of the CBD cannabinoid to make it act as the Delta-8 cannabinoid. Delta-8 has killed a child in Virginia. Both adults and children should avoid delta-8. Learn more about the dangers of Isolated CBD.

Medical Uses of CBD in Children

CBD has been studied for its potential medical uses in children, and some research suggests that it may be effective for treating various conditions.

Seizure Disorders

CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with epilepsy. In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy in children.

Anxiety and Depression

CBD has also been studied for its potential use in treating anxiety and depression in children. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that CBD reduced anxiety symptoms in children with social anxiety disorder.

Benefits of CBD gummies for kids with anxiety and stress

Autism Spectrum Disorder

CBD has shown promise as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that CBD improved symptoms in children with ASD, including anxiety, communication problems, and behavioral issues.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

CBD may also be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD in children. While more research is needed, a 2018 study published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology journal found that CBD improved hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with ADHD.

How CBD gummies can be used to manage ADHD symptoms in kids

Other Medical Conditions

CBD has also been studied for its potential use in treating other medical conditions in children, including:

Chronic pain
Inflammatory bowel disease
Neurodegenerative diseases
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

CBD Dosage for Children

Determining the appropriate CBD dosage for children can be challenging. There is no official dosage recommendation for children, and the optimal dosage may vary depending on the child’s weight, age, and medical condition.

Recommended Dosage Ranges

Some general guidelines suggest that parents start with a low dosage of CBD and gradually increase it until the desired effect is achieved. A typical starting dosage is 10 – 15 milligrams of CBD per serving, at least two doses per day. For example, take 10 – 15 milligrams of CBD in the morning, and take 10 – 15 mg of CBD in the evening.

However, it is important to note that the optimal dosage may vary depending on the child’s individual needs and medical condition. Parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider before starting their child on a CBD regimen.

Factors That Affect Dosage

Several factors can affect the optimal CBD dosage for children, including:

The child’s weight, age, and medical condition
The concentration of CBD in the product
The method of administration
The child’s response to CBD

Parents should closely monitor their child’s response to CBD and adjust the dosage as needed to achieve the desired effect.

Administration of CBD to Children

CBD can be administered to children in several ways, including:

Oral tinctures
Capsules or tablets
Edibles
Topical creams or lotions

Methods of Administration

Oral tinctures are one of the most popular ways of administering CBD to children. They are easy to use and can be added to food or drinks. Capsules and tablets are also easy to use and provide a pre-measured dose of CBD. Edibles, such as gummies, can be a fun and tasty way of administering CBD to children.

Topical creams or lotions are another option for children with skin conditions or localized pain. They are applied directly to the affected area and may provide relief without the need for oral ingestion.

Exploring the use of CBD gummies for children: what you should know

Choosing the Right CBD Product for Your Child

When choosing a CBD product for your child, it is important to select a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Look for products that are third-party tested for purity and potency and have low levels of THC.

Parents should also consider the method of administration and their child’s preferences when selecting a CBD product. Oral tinctures and capsules may be easier to administer to younger children, while older children may prefer edibles or topicals.

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We say quit often that our Genesis Blend Full Spectrum CBD oil is safe for children while effective for adults.

Tips for Administering CBD to Children

When administering CBD to children, parents should follow these tips:

Start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until the desired effect is achieved.
Monitor your child’s response to CBD and adjust the dosage as needed.
Choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer.
Consider your child’s preferences when selecting a CBD product.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before starting a CBD regimen.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legality of CBD use in children varies by state and country. In the United States, CBD products derived from hemp are legal under federal law, but products derived from marijuana are illegal under federal law. Parents should research the laws in their state or country and consult with their child’s healthcare provider before starting a CBD regimen.

How to talk to your child’s pediatrician about using CBD gummies

Parents should also consider the ethical implications of using CBD in children. While CBD may be effective in treating certain medical conditions, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits and to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

CBD is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for various medical conditions, including those in children. While more research is needed on the long-term effects of CBD use in children, current research suggests that CBD is generally safe and effective for treating certain medical conditions.

Parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider before starting a CBD regimen and should choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. By following these guidelines, parents can make an informed decision about using CBD for their children.

FAQs

Can CBD make my child high?

CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause the “high” associated with cannabis use. However, some CBD products may contain THC, which can cause intoxication and negative effects on cognitive development in children. Parents should choose CBD products with low levels of THC or no THC.

Is it safe to give my child CBD with other medications?

CBD may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider before giving their child CBD with other medications.

Can CBD cure medical conditions in children?

CBD is not a cure for medical conditions, but it may be effective in treating certain symptoms or reducing the frequency of certain medical conditions. Parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of using CBD for their child’s medical condition.

Is it legal to give my child CBD?

Tips

Start with a low dosage of CBD and gradually increase it until the desired effect is achieved.
Monitor your child’s response to CBD and adjust the dosage as needed.
Choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before starting a CBD regimen.
Consider the potential risks and benefits before using CBD for your child.