08/29/2024
CBD AND KIDS
CBD safe for kids?
An ever-growing number of studies conclude CBD to be safe and effective for adults, but research is relatively limited when it comes to children. That being said, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly prohibit the use of CBD for individuals under the age of 18.
Some research indicates that CBD may be safe and effective for treating some specific illnesses in children, such as:
• Epilepsy: Several studies find that natural CBD effectively treats chronic epileptic seizures in children. For example, this 2016 study concluded CBD to be safe and effective in reducing seizure frequency in 89% of pediatric epilepsy patients. The FDA has also approved a synthetic CBD-based pharmaceutical called Epidiolex for the treatment of Lennox-Gestaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome; however, this medication does carry some risks.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): According to some research, CBD may be a worthwhile treatment option for many symptoms that accompany autism. CBD as a therapeutic has been implicated a number of times, notably in this 2019 study. Here, researchers found that over 83% of pediatric autism patients saw moderate to significant improvement in symptoms when consuming CBD-rich h**p oil. Researchers concluded CBD to be safe, effective, and well-tolerated in relieving ASD-related symptoms.
• Anxiety disorders: Although many studies link regular CBD intake with anxiety relief in adults, only one case study confirms benefits in children. The findings, however, are not insignificant: CBD drastically reduced anxiety and insomnia in a 10-year-old child suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Additionally, there are a plethora of anecdotal reports claiming pediatric CBD consumption to benefit these conditions, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Crohn’s disease and similar inflammatory bowel diseases, and other chronic physical and emotional ailments. Although clinical evidence has yet to be observed, this by no means negates the positive personal experiences of many.
Despite the fact that CBD generally carries minimal adverse reactions, it can produce unwanted side effects in some users. These include:
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or gastrointestinal upset
• Reduced or increased appetite
• Drowsiness
CBD may also interact with certain medications. If you or your child are taking any pharmaceuticals, it is in your best interest to consult with a trusted medical provider before adding CBD or other compounds to your regimen.
The conversation surrounding CBD as a treatment option for children is in many ways nuanced and subjective, but emerging scientific and anecdotal evidence points in a positive direction. Join us as we explore the complex conversation surrounding the question: is CBD safe for kids?