Is CBD Safe for Young Children?

CBD is widely appreciated for the potential health benefits it has for the body. CBD is not limited to adults alone. It can also be used on children for various reasons. Parents have adopted CBD use for their kids to improve sleep. CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a compound derived from the cannabis plant. The compound has put the plant on the world map since its view of it has changed drastically. CBD is a natural remedy for various health issues, such as pain relief and alleviating anxiety, stress, and depression. CBD is well tolerated, but many people are still determining if they can use it on their children. This article discusses CBD oil and if it is safe for children.

What Is CBD Oil

CBD is the chemicals compound second most known after THC. CBD does not cause a high feeling to the user, although they are sourced from the same plant. CBD is infused in different products and thus takes various forms, for example, edibles such as gummies, capsules, oil and topicals. The doctor does not prescribe CBD. However, epidiolex is the only CBD drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating two rare cases of epilepsy diagnosed in early childhood; Lennox-Gas taut syndrome and Dravet syndrome

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Parents are using CBD to treat their children's health conditions, including hypersensitivity and anxiety, due to its relaxing and soothing effect on the body and brain.Caregivers are also using CBD oil to curb other autism symptoms. There is a need for extensive research on CBD safety for children and its side effects. Some parents are uncomfortable using the compound for their kids, while others are.

CBD derived from hemp is emphasized since it has fewer resins than the marijuana plant. Resins contain THC, a primary compound in cannabis that has a psychoactive effecton the user. The legal amount of THC is below 0.3%, which is approvedas non-intoxicating. Parents can avoid THC traces in their child’s products by opting for CBD isolate. CBD can be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. CBD isolate has cannabidiol alone; full-spectrum CBD has all plant compounds, including THC, while broad-spectrum CBD does not have THC but has the rest of the compounds; terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids.

CBD oil is found in various forms, topicals, edibles, and oils.

CBD oil.

CBD oil and tinctures are administered through the mouth; they can bedirectly swallowed or applied below the tongue. CBD oil has different potencies, and thus it is essential to look for good quality one to serve your needs. CBD oil is also encapsulated and thus comes in capsule forms. CBD oil has anatural, earthy taste, which can be troublesome for many children; they can use flavored CBD oil.

CBD gummies.

CBD-infused gummies are common and thus considered safe and convenient for children and newbies in the field. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors and are attractive to children. However, store them away from their reach to avoid overdose.

Topicals.

CBD topicals are designed to be used on the skin surface. They include creams, lotion, salves, gels, and transdermal patches. CBD penetratesthrough the skin into the bloodstream to offer effect. It interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin.

What Is CBD Oil Used For In Children?

The only CBD-approved product used for children is epidiolex. This is a drug used for treating epilepsy in children. However, CBD has benefits for children, for example;

Treating Autism

Studies indicate that CBD oil can be used to alleviate autistic-related symptoms. Over 188 children aged 5 to 18 were administered with CBD oil exhibited significant improvement. CBD resulted in seizures,rage attacks, and restlessness after being used for a month. The reported side effects include lack of appetite, reflux, and sleepiness. However, during the period, the children were allowed to use other drugs prescribed for them; sedatives and antipsychotics. People respond differently to CBD, and thus it is advisable to be done with a lot of caution, and in case of any irritation or adverse side effects, it should be stopped immediately.

Epilepsy

 According to Gray & Whalley(2020),Epidiolex treats children with Lennox Gas tautand Dravet Syndrome, two unique forms of epilepsy. Studies carried out in children with epilepsy indicated reduced seizures after using CBD (epidiolex) compared to those with a placebo. There are mild side effects such as;

• diarrhea
• rash
• weakness in the body
• feeling lethargic and sleepy

 Some adverse side effects are less likely but can include;

• Aggressive behavior
• Panic attacks
• Agitation
• depression

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 Although there is less research on CBD oil’s benefits for children with ADHD or the risks, some parents reported improvement in their children after using CBD oil. Currently, there is not enough evidence of CBD’s effectiveness for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

Anxiety

 According to García-Gutiérrez et al. (2020),CBD can help with anxiety because it has a calming and relaxing effect. Studies have been carried out on animals and humans, but it is limited to children. Preclinical evidence shows that CBD can help with anxiety disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsivedisorder (OCD).

What Is The Risk Of Using C CBD Oil For Children?

CBD is the new golden specimen in the lab but has not been extensively studied for children’s use. Although the compound is tolerated, some side effects include sleepiness and restlessness. CBD can interact with other medications; thus, consult the medical doctor before infusing the product into your child’s routine. CBD overdose may cause THC-like effects and drowsiness, as stated by Iffland& Grotenhermen(2017). Learn more about what is organic cbd oil?

Bottom Line

CBD is a chemical compound appreciated as anatural remedy for different health issues, for example, pain reliefand alleviating mental disorders, for example, anxiety. Although it has limited tests on children, the compound has proved reliable for different conditions in children, including; anxiety, epilepsy, ADHD, and autism. CBD is infused in various products, including topicals(skincare products), edibles(gummies), and oil. The form used will depend on the reason for using CBD oil. Gummies are convenient since they are flavored and thus easy for children to take—however, store ways to avoid overdose. Consult a professional before using CBD for children.

References

García-Gutiérrez, M. S., Navarrete, F., Gasparyan, A., Austrich-Olivares, A., Sala, F., & Manzanares, J. (2020). Cannabidiol: a potential new alternative for treating anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. Biomolecules, 10(11), 1575.

Gray, R. A., & Whalley, B. J. (2020). The proposed mechanisms of action of CBD in epilepsy. Epileptic Disorders, 22, S10-S15.

Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.