Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is a chemical molecule that occurs naturally in marijuana and hemp. In recent years, products containing CBD have been utilized to assist people in managing a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain and mood disorders.
Some CBD products have been promoted to youngsters, despite the fact that its usage in children is far more restricted than in adults.
According to the results of a poll conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, however, despite the ease with which CBD can be obtained, many parents have a limited understanding of the compound, with one in three believing that using CBD is the same as smoking marijuana.
Even though the vast majority of parents haven't even contemplated the notion of their kid using a CBD product, the majority of them seem to have an open mind regarding the possibilities, stating that it may be a viable alternative for medical treatment in situations when other drugs are ineffective.
There is a paucity of evidence on the potential effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on the developing brains of children, and the use of CBD for pediatric medicinal purposes is limited to extremely specific circumstances.
"Despite this, cannabidiol (CBD) has become much more readily available and is the subject of extensive advertising, with some businesses suggesting that it offers advantages for children"
- Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.
The results of the poll, which was designed to be nationally representative, were based on the replies of 1,992 parents of children aged three to eighteen years old in October of 2021.
Seven percent of parents have given or considered giving their child a CBD product, with the most common reasons including:
- anxiety (51%),
- sleep problems (40%),
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (also known as ADHD) (33%),
- muscle pain (20%),
- autism (19%),
- and to make their child feel better in general (13%).
Less than a third of the parents who claim they have given or thought about providing CBD to their kid have discussed the substance's usage with the medical professional who cares for their child.
And despite the fact that 75% of parents believe that CBD for children should need a prescription from a medical professional, just 63% of parents consider the advice of their kid's physician to be a significant consideration when determining whether or not to give their child a CBD product.
According to Clark, the results of the research reveal that the majority of parents have very little awareness of CBD products.
"It is vital for parents to contact their doctor or other healthcare professionals if they are contemplating using CBD in children in order for them to address possible dangers. This will allow them to evaluate the child's individual situation."
- the Mayo Clinic
When asked about the factors that went into their decision, the majority of parents mentioned potential adverse consequences as the most significant consideration. Other things that were taken into account were whether or not it had been studied for its safety in children, how well it works in children, whether or not it had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, and product evaluations.
According to the survey research, the vast majority of parents have never used a CBD product for themselves, while 24% of parents have at least tried it and 5% of parents use a CBD product frequently.
There are many unknowns about the impacts.
CBD goods may be purchased in many different forms, including oils, topical ointments, vaping, candies, and gummies. CBD products can also be purchased online and at businesses that specialize in selling CBD products, as well as in grocery stores and pharmacies.
For the treatment of intractable seizures in children, the Food and Medicinal Administration (FDA) has given its approval to a single refined formulation of the drug ingredient CBD. There have been some studies done on the use of CBD in children with hyperactivity, anxiety, troubles sleeping, and depression; however, the study is still in its early stages.
Some possible negative effects of CBD include:
- drowsiness,
- exhaustion,
- and diarrhea.
Additionally, some experts are concerned that CBD may interact negatively with other drugs and have an unfavorable effect on the liver. However, since CBD products have not been subjected to the rigorous testing required for FDA clearance, the frequency and severity of negative effects are still unknown, especially in youngsters.
In order to be considered legal, CBD must contain less than.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol, more popularly known as THC. THC is the chemical that is responsible for the majority of the psychological and "high" effects that marijuana generates.
The absence of regulation of CBD products raises issues regarding quality control in the creation of a variety of goods, according to experts. Many manufacturers claim that their products contain close to 0% THC, but the lack of regulation of CBD products also raises these doubts.
"Parents who see promotional content claiming CBD benefits kids with certain conditions should be aware that products seen online or in stores are not regulated by the FDA and may be mislabeled."
- Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.
Because of this, it is difficult for parents to know precisely what it is that they are purchasing and what their kid may be exposed to.
Anecdotal accounts of children benefiting from CBD may seem appealing, but the fact that it is a plant product does not always mean that it is safe or helpful in children. More research is required to fully comprehend the short-term and long-term adverse effects of CBD on children.
Is it legal for children to use CBD oil?
The use of CBD oil as a natural therapy for a broad range of disorders and illnesses is gaining popularity and is expected to continue this trend. On the other hand, there is a lot of controversy around its use, most notably when it comes to children. Is it safe for children to use CBD oil?
In a nutshell, the answer is yes; CBD oil may be used by children in the majority of states.
However, the legality of CBD oil might change based on the state in which you reside as well as the precise conditions under which it is being used. Hemp, a kind of cannabis, is the source of CBD oil, and the hemp plant itself is a member of the cannabis family.
CBD products produced from hemp are lawful in all fifty states, but their usage is subject to varying degrees of regulation depending on the state. For instance, the amount of THC that may be found in CBD products cannot be more than 0.3%.
THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that is responsible for producing the "high" experience. CBD oil is often used in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments, including anxiety, sadness, and chronic pain. It is also being researched as a potential therapy for a broad variety of other disorders, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cancer.
There is some evidence to indicate that children who are afflicted with specific medical disorders may benefit from using CBD oil. Nevertheless, further study is required to substantiate these hypothesized advantages.
If you are thinking about giving CBD oil to your kid, the first thing you should do is consult with the pediatrician who treats your child. They will be able to advise you on the most effective method of therapy as well as assist you comprehend the possible advantages and drawbacks of utilizing CBD oil.