CBD For Children – What Parents Need to Know About Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has become the daily regime of millions of people around the globe. It is a substance that comes from the cannabis plant. You might be considering CBD responsible for a high due to its origin from Cannabis Sativa. The euphoria or paranoia associated with marijuana is because of THC. The non-intoxicant nature of cannabidiol has made it popular among all cannabis users. Is CBD safe for children?

You might be wondering if CBD is safe and effective for your child. Though CBD has not been well-researched regarding children, many parents use CBD to anxiety, hyperactivity, and ADHD in children.

Let us discuss the possible health benefits of CBD for children.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicant cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. Its non-psychedelic properties do not make the user high. Unlike THC, it is a well-tolerated and safe cannabinoid to use. Cannabidiol comes from the hemp and marijuana plants that are species of Cannabis Sativa. Generally, the amount of cannabidiol is high in the hemp plant.

Hemp-derived CBD products are widely available in the market. You can find the following CBD products:

CBD oil
Tinctures
Edibles
Topicals
Vape products

Moreover, hemp-derived CBD products are legal in almost all US states. The Farm Bill 2018 has legalized all hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% of THC.

Forms of CBD:

Before manipulating CBD into your child’s life, complete knowledge about its forms and formulations is necessary. CBD oil available in the market comes in the below three spectrums:

Isolates
Full-Spectrum CBD
Broad-Spectrum CBD

Typically, CBD isolates are pure cannabidiol without any additional cannabinoids. Full-spectrum CBD contains all possible cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and THC. Contrary to this, broad-spectrum carries all cannabinoids except THC.

If you want to administer CBD to your child without THC, you can opt for isolates and broad-spectrum products. However, in full-spectrum products, all the cannabinoids work synergistically to produce entourage effects.

CBD Oil:

Currently, CBD oil is available in varying formulations and potencies. Typically, most people administer it under the tongue to feel the effects quickly. You can also add it to your drinks, foods, and other items to reap the potential benefits. If you want to add CBD oil to your child’s life, be sure to talk to your health care provider.

Edibles:

Another incredible option to take CBD is edibles. There are plenty of CBD edibles available in the market, such as:

Gummies
Cookies
Drinks
Brownies
Candies
Chocolates

All these products are an excellent way to add to a little one’s regime. Aside from this, you can make your edibles by infusing CBD oil into foods and drinks. Make sure to store gummies away from your child’s access.

Topicals:

You might have heard about CBD creams, lotions, transdermal patches of CBD. All these are fascinating options to soothe your skin and cure skin conditions. Through CBD patches, CBD directly infuses into the skin layers and enters the bloodstream.

What Is CBD Oil Used for?

Though FDA has not approved CBD products except Epidiolex to treat the seizures of epilepsy, people are administrating it. CBD oil is used for several health conditions in children, such as:

Epilepsy:

Epidiolex is a CBD and THC based medication, approved by FDA to treat seizures in children due to:

Lennox Gastuat Syndrome
Dravet Syndrome

Researchers have studied the effectiveness of Epidiolex in controlled drug trials. It can reduce the number of seizures in epileptic children. Furthermore, Epidiolex is carefully manufactured and administered medication. No evidence suggests that CBD oil has the same effects on seizures as Epidiolex.

Some side effects of Epidiolex use:

Feeling lethargic
Rash
Diarrhea
Weakness
Infection
Diminished appetite

Autism:

Several studies have indicated the use of CBD oil in children with autism. The therapeutic effects of cannabidiol can alleviate the symptoms of autism. The interaction of cannabidiol with the brain receptors helps manage the symptoms of this condition.

Some reported side effects of using CBD oil to cure autism are:

Sleepiness
Lack of appetite
Reflux

However, more research studies and anecdotal evidence are necessary to prove the effectiveness of cannabidiol for autism.

Anxiety:

One of the most prevalent mental health conditions that are affecting many adults is anxiety. Whether it is social anxiety or separation anxiety, CBD can manage its symptoms. Several research studies have found that cannabidiol and its relation with the endocannabinoid system that regulates mood are promising.

In general, CBD interacts with the neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for mental health. Low serotonin level leads to anxiety and depression in people.

If your little one becomes anxious when you leave home or on social events, he might be suffering from anxiety. You can incorporate CBD into your child’s regime to manage the symptoms. A few drops of CBD oil can treat the anxiety disorder, including:

Social anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD:

Currently, the research about the potential health benefits of cannabidiol for ADHD is limited. But some parents report that CBD can reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Choosing A CBD Product:

Several companies are manufacturing CBD oil around the world, there is no way for consumers to know the ingredients of a product. But here are a few tips to help you find a reputable CBD product:

Read a product label – look at the amount of CBD per recommended dose
Find out the product manufacturing process – try to opt for organically grown hemp
Check the 3^rd party lab test report – it ensures the product safety and quality

The Bottom Line:

CBD oil is effective for the treatment of seizures in children with certain rare types of epilepsy. But it isn’t FDA-approved for any other health condition in children. CBD oil is manufactured by a vast number of companies. Since it is not federally regulated, it is hard to know whether a product is safe and provides an accurate dose. CBD oil can sometimes contain THC and other toxins.

CBD oil hasn’t been significantly researched for its use in children. It may show promise for conditions such as autism. However, the products you buy online or off a shelf don’t necessarily parallel those supplied medically or used in research.

Anecdotally, many parents have reported that CBD oil is beneficial for their children. However, when it comes to your child, take a buyer-to-beware approach. Always talk to your child’s pediatrician before starting any new supplements or medications

CBD For Children – What Parents Need to Know About Cannabidiol

ByFiza Arooj