Ever since researchers have hinted at the substantial benefits of medical marijuana, CBD oils and other products have become all the rage in the market. The use of this “unconventional” medication is gaining popularity among the masses for being blissful for children and pets. Many concerned parents are turning towards it to provide their little ones with natural treatment for several hard-to-treat ailments. The substance has gained quite a reputation in helping people manage pains, anxiety, depression, insomnia, inflammation, and other related issues.
Unfortunately, there is a high amount of negative stigma attached to anything related to cannabis. Studies on the benefits of CBD Oil for children are currently quite limited, but they sure are becoming more predominant. There are many ethical and legal ramifications on medical research on children. This is why there are few studies relating to CBD Oil and children.
When it comes to children, parents are concerned about the safety of CBD. Nevertheless, many parents are now choosing natural medicine over conventional treatment. In the next paragraphs, we will tell you everything that you need to know about CBD for kids. More precautions might be necessary in the case of children. Before giving CBD to your child, read up on the various lab results and reviews found for that specific brand of CBD. As per the typical surveys, there are top brands of CBD like growers choice seeds, Nuleaf naturals, which are helpful for kids.
What Is CBD
CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the many naturally present chemical compounds, also known as cannabinoids. CBD is found in a particular strain of the Cannabis plant called Cannabis Sativa. CBD products are crafted by extracting these cannabinoids from high-quality hemp or cannabis. The extract is then blended with carrier oils such as coconut or hemp seed oil for its additional therapeutic qualities.
Early research has shown that CBD oil effective in the treatment of numerous medical conditions such as cognitive disorders, mobility disorders, pains, and anxiety with negligible side-effects. Over the years, it has gained quite a reputation for its healing properties and overall wellness benefits. It is said to be a breakthrough in the world of natural medicine.
A 2017 review published in The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics has reported on a large number of clinical trials. The paper showed that CBD oil was safe for children, as well as being able to treat children diagnosed with medical conditions like ADHD, seizures and anxiety.
The paper goes on to tell us that :
What is Hemp
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa Plant, which was historically used mainly for its fibre. Hemp fibres can be used from creating clothing to bedding for animals, making toilet paper, and even a type of concrete called Hempcrete. Hemp usually contains minuscule amounts of THC and much higher levels of CBD. Previously CBD used to be a schedule 1 drug, meaning that it has no accepted medical use and has a higher potential of being abused. The Farm bill, a large piece of legislation passed in 2018 exempted and reclassified hemp and hemp-derived CBD as an agriculture commodity, as well as removing it from the list of scheduled drugs.
Cannabis has many names. The most common one is marijuana, which everyone is familiar with, and it is well known. Cannabis is the Latin name used by botanists, drug companies, and within the medical field. The word refers to the leaves and female flowers of the cannabis plant.
How does CBD Oil Work
Truth be told! Our body is no stranger to the impact of CBD. It works naturally by stimulating the body’s healing response. Every mammal, including humans, have an endocannabinoid system. Researchers have discovered that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) might be responsible for many of our brain functions. These functions include mood, feelings of wellness, maintaining homeostasis, immune response, sleep, and inflammation.
When cannabinoids found in CBD oil interacts with the ECS system, it triggers receptor activity and provides relief. CBD oil nourishes and supports the system by stimulating and encouraging the growth of receptors and naturally instigating healing. Such an effect has significant potential in reducing and managing symptoms of many childhood illnesses and health problems and initiate recovery.
Cannabinoids are compounds that act on cells in the body, which are called cannabinoid receptors to cause some effect. THC is the chemical compound that causes users to feel “high” or “stoned.” CBD, on the other hand, does not cause that feeling. However, it does have specific positive effects on your bodies system.
The central hemp-derived CBD that has been rigorously studied and has been approved by the FDA is the new drug Epidolex for rare and hard to treat seizures. Epidiolex is a purified (> 98% oil-based) CBD extract from the cannabis plant. It is produced by Greenwich Biosciences (the U.S. based company of GW Pharmaceuticals) to give known and consistent amounts in each dose.
Researchers studied Epidolex in clinical trials. They used a control group with some people taking the drug at different doses, and some people getting the placebo. This study is called the Blind Study. Researchers did not know who was getting what. The blind study is the gold standard of clinical trials.
Marijuana or cannabis, in general, has some side effects depending on how the cannabis gets used in the body. It is essential to know that even though it is a plant, it gets broken down in the liver like many medicines. People think it is 100% safe, also though some interactions may occur.
Tiredness, diarrhoea and upset stomach may occur but usually goes away with regular use. It could be because the product contains oil and upsets the stomach.
More and more products are coming on the market at a fast pace, and not all have the same quality and may even be fake or harmful. Some do not have the dose stated on the bottle, and it is either less CBD or more than stated. Research is needed to find the high-quality ones that have lab reports to prove what is in it.
Health Issues CBD can Target In Children
CBD can help your child with various conditions, including autism, ADHD, seizures, and pain
Studies suggest CBD can be beneficial for a range of disorders in children. Many parents are using it as an over-the-counter remedy to calm their children down and improve their overall health and immune system. However, it is essential to note that the research is still in its infancy stage. Many researchers are hopeful about CBD’s potential in treating severe ailments in children.
Research suggests CBD shows a great deal of promise with psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety in children. It is deemed to be a valuable addition to the treatment of autism. Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, it is considered highly effective for disorders that manifest pain as one of the major symptoms. Besides, more studies suggest it could be helpful for kids with ADHD.
CBD For Seizures in Children
Some studies have shown the effectiveness of CBD in reducing episodes of disabling seizures, especially in people with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. To date, Epidiolex is the only CBD product that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy. However, it may not show similar effects for everyone with those forms of epilepsy disorder or other types of seizure disorders. Therefore, it is highly suggested to go slow and monitor the changes in your child’s body before implementing a regular CBD regimen.
One of the studies examined nine children with epilepsy, and of the four patients who received CBD products every day, two were free of seizures, and one patient saw a partial improvement over three months. These results are quite promising, but they also accentuate the problem that there are limited resources as well as limited test subjects in cannabis-based research.
CBD oil and cannabis products have been shown to help a considerable number of health conditions and diseases, and there are several that are of specific interest because they relate to children and treating them individually.
The most highly publicized cases of CBD oil use and one that points to CBD oil being safe for children is the case of Charlotte Figi.
By the time she was 2, Charlotte got diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy in which continuous and very difficult to treat seizures are the main symptom of the disease. When she was 5, Charlotte was severely disabled and having up to 300 grand mal seizures per day with an average of two seizures every hour — even going into status epilepticus, which means continuous unabating seizures.
When Charlotte didn’t respond to traditional regular medications, her parents then decided to look into cannabis as a possible means to treat her epilepsy; Doing this then brought them to the Stanley Brothers company. After they met with Charlotte’s parents and heard her long story of constant seizures in 2011, the Stanley Brothers later developed the now-famous namesake cannabis strain “Charlotte’s Web.” This strain is high in CBD and very low in THC (trace amounts)and made from industrial hemp.
Miraculously, In the first week of using Charlotte’s Web hemp oil to treat her severe epilepsy, Charlotte didn’t have even a single seizure. She did not also have any side effects. It seems that the CBD for seizures in children worked.
Charlotte’s Web CBD oil is now often recommended for treating severe epileptic conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children. And in retrospect, it could treat minor seizures too. CBD for seizures in children is a viable and real option.
Doctors, patients, and advocates are rapid to point out CBD oil isn’t a miracle cure or only answer. It doesn’t wholly eradicate epilepsy, and it does not help everyone. But for some patients, it can help eliminate or reduce their symptoms, and it may allow them to ease off of other drugs that have serious side effects. The side effects of these drugs include anaemia, low platelet levels, liver failure, pancreatitis, allergic reactions, addiction, tolerance, and suicidal tendencies.
CBD for Autism
Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that leads to several behavioural and psychological issues such as aggressive behaviour, impairment in communication skills, hyperactivity, and persistent, repetitive behaviours. Some animal studies suggest that CBD oils and other products might be useful in controlling and calming such acts. Research on animals has compelled scientists to investigate whether the substance has the same effects in humans or not. However, the reports that we do have seem to be positive. Cannabis extracts are appearing to help children with autism. It seems to reduce aggressive and disruptive behaviour, improve their social responsibility to people. A new Israeli clinical trial reports.
If kids are treated with whole-plant cannabis or pure CBD combination with THC will experience a vast and significant improvement in their behaviour and their symptoms when compared to a group of children that received the placebo. As with any medical treatment, particularly those involving children, you must talk to your child’s paediatrician about giving your child CBD. Having a doctor knowing that your child is taking CBD oil will help them if they need to prescribe something for your child. Moreover, CBD may react to some medications.
If you are looking for a second opinion or have questions about CBD oil, your paediatrician can’t answer, you might also consider setting up a consultation with a qualified cannabis doctor.
CBD for ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is popularly known as ADHD. Children suffering from this problem have difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviour. Restlessness and impulsivity are common symptoms. The symptoms of the disorder begin in childhood and continue through adolescence and adulthood. Traditional medication for ADHD has several side-effects, such as mood shifts, poor appetite, fatigue, digestive issues, and more. Therefore, parents are now using CBD oil because it is well-tolerated by the body with minimum side-effects. Not to mention that CBD is completely natural whereas, ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, Adderal, or Concerta are amphetamines which can have serious side effects
CBD for Pain
Other than its pain-relieving properties, CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties. CBD is valuable in pain management for not only adults, athletes, sportspersons, but also children suffering from chronic conditions. It works by activating the endocannabinoid system of the body to fight underlying inflammation and relieving pain. The CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). CBD binds to CB2 receptors, which are located throughout the body in the central nervous system regulating both pain and inflammation in the body.
Is it safe for your child?
CBD in proper dosages is safe for your child. The safety of using CBD oil is one of the primary concerns of parents simply because of its association with cannabis. The plant has been stigmatized and demonized unfairly since the late 1930s. However, this ancient herb has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years.
Meanwhile, it is crucial to understand that CBD is one of the two primary cannabinoids extracted from the plant. While CBD contains several healthful properties, it is its cousin Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC that contains psychotropic effects leading to the so-called “high.” CBD and THC have different functions. Most of the oil from reputed brands are free from THC and provide only pleasant and relieving benefits. So, if you are concerned about your child getting high or addicted to the product, you can relax. CBD is not addictive and can be consumed easily sublingually or orally. It can be diluted in food in the form of supplements or added to the beverages.
Another concern regarding CBD’s safety includes its legal status. Since it comes under the medical marijuana umbrella, many parents are worried about breaking the law. However, under the legalization drive, CBD oils that are produced from industrial hemp are considered legal in most of the states. Still, learning about the law and regulations in your area is useful.
Side-Effects of CBD
The main reason why parents are choosing CBD oils over traditional medicines is because of the absence of severe side-effects. Although studies have not reported severe negative effects, the research is still in initial stages. A few side-effects reported include lethargy, drowsiness, and lack of appetite.
It cannot be ignored that there is little evidence, so it should be used cautiously. Meanwhile, not much is known about its effects when it interacts with other medications that the child is probably using regularly.
Aspects To Consider Before Giving CBD To Children
Naturally, the increasing popularity and enormous hype around the product has got several parents wondering about the usefulness and effectiveness of CBD oil in treating their child’s condition. So, if you are considering using it as an alternative or a complementary therapy for your child, it is suggested to consult your child’s doctor. This will help you keep in check the possible side-effects and the risks involved. With the right guidance, expect proper implementation, and reduce the risks.
Purity and Brand Reputation
Since CBD is still an emerging industry, and it lacks FDA approval and standardization, it is easy for sellers to fool the customers. Therefore, some companies might have fake claims. Even CBD products sold online may not have undergone rigorous testing and might be compromising on the quality. Hence, it is advised to choose goods from the reputed brands following the guidelines stringently and performing quality tests regularly. A little bit of investigation, reading reviews, joining online forums, and connecting with the seller for queries will help you make the right choice for your child. We personally recommend JoyOrganics CBD Oil as all their oils are lab tested, and fairly priced, as well as having a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your CBD.
Interested in Hemp Oil instead? Click here on our guide on ‘How To Choose The Best Hemp Oil’
Start Slow
Even though CBD has negligible side-effects, it is suggested that parents start slow in the beginning. Doctors suggest parents begin with a low dosage and increase it gradually. This will help parents in monitoring progress and guarding children against side-effects. Doctors reveal that CBD may take some time to work and some trial and error to adjust dosage as per the needs of the child.
Conclusion
In many cases, parents of children with weak health and low immune response are using CBD oil as a supplement and complementary therapy to their existing treatment. However, they must be cautious and implement some preventive measures.
CBD will enhance concentration and cognition in the brain, which will also reduce anxiety and will give a better and a deeper restorative night’s sleep, CBD oil may help combat the symptoms of ADHD. in children. The vast majority of treatments now for ADHD are stimulant medications that can make anxiety and sleep problems worse., CBD for ADHD may provide a much safer and more effective treatment for people with ADHD. Adults with ADHD, too, can be helped.
The evidence broadly suggests CBD oil is a low-risk treatment option for adults and children alike, with the World Health Organization even stating:
We hope this guide has enlightened you about all the aspects you must consider before giving it to your darling(s). Talking to the doctor and seeking proper guidance should be a parents’ top priority to make the best decision and avoid any risks.
Authors Bio
Riya is currently working for CBDOilsReview and professionally writing for more than 3 years on health and technology.
She enjoys writing across various platforms and loves to learn new technologies.
