CBD for Kids: What Parents Need to Know

Types of CBD

As mentioned earlier, CBD is available in many forms. This can make it difficult to determine and control the amount of CBD given to a child. Some of the various forms of child CBD products include tinctures, oils, topicals/lotions, edibles, dietary supplements, and vaping items.

The most common forms of CBD for children are as follows:

CBD Oil

CBD oil comes in a wide range of potencies. It’s often administered under the tongue, but you can also buy capsules. Note that CBD oil has an earthy, unpleasant aftertaste that kids may not like. If your child dislikes the taste of regular CBD oil, you can try flavored CBD oil like berry or citrus.

CBD-Infused Gummies

CBD gummies are more appealing to kids than CBD oil. That’s because they taste and smell like sweet candy. This helps mask the natural, unpleasant taste and aftertaste of CBD.

Since CBD gummies taste like candy, make sure to store them in areas kids can’t reach to prevent overdose and unsupervised use.

Transdermal CBD Patches

Transdermal CBD patches are recommended for kids who dislike the unpleasant taste of CBD oil. They’re also ideal for sugar-sensitive kids. CBD patches administer a consistent CBD level over time, unlike other CBD oil and gummies.

Side Effects Of CBD for Kids

Although most people tolerate CBD well, it carries the risk of side effects just like any other medication. The most common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness / Fatigue

Call your pediatrician immediately to adjust the dosage or replace the medication if any of these side effects persist for three or more days.

Keep in mind that CBD can interact with other medications, especially blood thinners, so it’s important to consult your child’s healthcare provider if they are taking any medications.

What Conditions Can CBD Treat?

CBD can help alleviate several conditions common to children, such as epilepsy, anxiety, and autism. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved CBD for treating epilepsy (Dravet syndrome).

Epilepsy

Children with epilepsy can take CBD to control seizures and relieve other symptoms. CBD can also help treat kids suffering from Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which are two rare epilepsy conditions. In 2018, Epidiolex (an oral CBD drug) was approved by the FDA to treat seizures.

Other CBD products may provide similar relief to Epidiolex, but we recommend consulting a medical marijuana doctor before giving any CBD product to your child. It’s important to ensure the product is safe, free of THC, and comes from a trusted manufacturer that accurately reports dosage, strength, and purity.

Autism

A 2018 study found that medical CBD was able to improve the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children aged 5-18 years old after one month. These include rage attacks, restlessness, and seizures. For most participants, autism symptoms continued to be alleviated for six months. However, the experts suggested that their study must be dealt with caution because there was no control group when it was conducted.

Similarly, research suggests that medical marijuana may be a promising treatment for autism in both children and adults. However, even in states where medical marijuana is legal, individuals must be at least 18 years old to purchase cannabis products, or they must be under the supervision of a registered medical marijuana caregiver.

Anxiety

Several studies from 2019-2020 indicate that CBD may help treat a range of anxiety disorders. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder. Another study in 2016 stated that the use of CBD improved the anxiety symptoms and insomnia of a 10-year-old child with PTSD.

Medical cannabis has been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety and is a qualifying condition for a medical cannabis card in many states. While only adults can legally purchase products containing THC in states where it is legal to do so, a medical marijuana doctor may approve its use for a minor under the care of a registered caregiver.

Is CBD Legal for Children?

CBD products that are completely free of THC are legal in every state. However, in states where recreational marijuana is not legal, you’ll likely need a medical marijuana card to purchase any CBD product that contains even trace amounts of THC.

While THC is generally not recommended for adolescents, a medical marijuana doctor may approve cannabis use for a minor in specific cases, provided it’s under the supervision of a registered caregiver. Parents and older siblings 18 years or older may apply to be a medical marijuana caregiver.

Conclusion

CBD is well-known for its ability to alleviate a range of medical conditions, including some that affect children. While the FDA has approved medication containing CBD for treating seizures, more research is needed to determine how safe and effective CBD is for treating other conditions. However, the latest research and anecdotal evidence suggests that it is beneficial for treating conditions like autism and anxiety.

If you’re a parent or caregiver and want to give CBD to a child, be sure to consult a pediatric professional first to determine the right dose and type of CBD to administer. Though the benefits of CBD are well-known, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider so as to also consider the substance’s long-term effects and whether it’s the best treatment option for your child.