Is CBD Safe For Children?

CBD For Gout
CBD For Gout
CBD For Severe Autism
CBD For Severe Autism

Unlike adults, kids are highly sensitive to what they are given and hence, special care has to be taken regarding what they eat. When CBD and its benefits are being discussed everywhere you might wonder whether it is safe to give your kids. The truth is that CBD can be given to kids. In fact, there are parents who administer CBD for anxiety in children. They also give their kids CBD for hyperactivity and autism. However, since children have weaker bodies which are more prone to issues when compared to adults, proper thought has to be given before you decide to give your kid CBD.

This article will contain everything you need to know about CBD and how it affects kids.

CBD Oil

CBD or cannabidiol is a therapeutic cannabinoid present in cannabis plants. CBD is the second-most abundant cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Even though CBD is inherently found in both marijuana and hemp plants, it is legally derived from industrial hemp which does not contain THC in high amounts due to which the plant extract will not give the high effect.

CBD oil is obtained from mixing CBD extract which is typically obtained from the hemp plant, mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut, MCT, palm, olive, or hemp seed oil. The psychotropic behavior of the oil will depend on the source of the CBD. If it is derived from a cannabis plant other than industrial hemp, the oil will contain a large amount of THC unless it is separated.

Types Of CBD

Few forms of CBD products are discussed below:

  • CBD Oil: CBD oil is the most popular form of CBD, which is commercially prepared for making CBD infused products such as baked goods and beverages. CBD oil can be administered sublingually (by placing a few drops under the tongue) and is also available in capsule form. Since most children may dislike its earthy taste, it’s also available as a flavored oil.
  • Gummies: Children like gummies. So CBD-infused gummies can make children have them easily.
  • Transdermal patches: Other than the oral consumption, CBD can also be used as patches which allows it to penetrate the skin.

What Is The Use Of CBD Oil?

Even though the CBD oil is used to treat several conditions in children, FDA has approved its use only for epilepsy and some of its rare forms. The common medication, Epidiolex which is used to reduce seizure frequency, is a purified CBD oral solution made from Cannabis Sativa. Some of its other applications are discussed below:

Autism

Solid evidence has been collected showing the benefits of using CBD oil for kids with autism. CBD has shown positive results during a study conducted on the effect of the drug on children for seizures, restlessness, and rage attacks. CBD for severe autism treatment can cause some side effects including sleepiness, lack of appetite, and sometimes, reflux. Many other world-level studies are presently underway to determine the effective doses of CBD for autistic children.

Anxiety And ADHD

There is no clear evidence indicating the effect of CBD oil for the treatment of anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. However, a clinical study performed on a 10-year old patient with PTSD reported that CBD oil reduced her anxiety and insomnia. Other than that, not much research are reported on this subject. Also, there are no conclusive evidences presently available to confirm whether CBD oil is an effective treatment for ADHD.

CBD Dosage For Kids

The most important point to consider while giving your child CBD is the dosage. The dosage of common medicines, when given to children, is calculated based on their body weight. But, that does not mean you should select the dosage yourself. Consult a pediatrician and ask for their opinion regarding the decision to give CBD to your child and its dosage.

Is Using CBD Legal?

CBD oil which is derived from hemp plants is legal to buy in most places, provided the THC content is lesser than 0.3 percent. Still, the laws pertaining to CBD purchases are mostly confusing as CBD derived from marijuana plants is currently illegal and anyone found using it can be prosecuted. The law is strict because the CBD oil could contain some amount of THC, and THC is a substance which is not to be administered to children. But if a doctor prescribes drugs such as Epidiolex, you can give it without any second thoughts.

We can conclude that CBD oil is very effective in the treatment of children with certain rare types of epilepsy. There are not much research results available in the usage of CBD oil for children, except for autism. However, there are many reports from parents who have experienced benefits by using CBD oil for treating children. Since the users are children, it is better to take advice from the pediatrician before starting any new supplements or medications related to CBD oil.