CBD oil has become quite a trendy topic. Several reports and studies are testing its therapeutic properties. Naturally we start to wonder who can use it and is it safe? Let’s take a look at the questions you should be asking if you are thinking of giving it to a child.
But is it appropriate for patients of all ages? Is it OK to use CBD oil products for kids?
According to the FDA (USA) and NHS (UK), some CBD-based drugs have been approved to help children1. But still, many parents refuse to give them to the kids and search for other treatments.
Here are important facts to help parents better understand CBD:
What are health problems CBD oil used to help with?
Currently, CBD oil is approved to treat rare seizures in kids with epilepsy2, and also it is used to help with multiple sclerosis1. Some studies show that CBD oil products can be highly effective against autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety in children3. But medical experts caution parents against giving CBD-related medicines without the recommendation from a doctor.
Will CBD get my child high?
No. CBD does not contain any THC that is psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It means CBD oil product doesn’t have any mind-altering effects, and your child will not get high from using it. CBD products are oil extracted and proven to have no negative effects.
How to give the oil to a child?
Today there is a large variety of products on the market that are legally sold in much of the country. The parents can choose the product based on the kid’s health status and age. It can be CBD oil, pills, tincture, edibles, or infused beverages.
The most popular way to give the oil to the child is in a tincture placed right under the tongue or on the cheek side.
But some kids do not like the taste or odor of CBD oil. Also, some infants can be quite fussy, which causes some troubles. In such a case, mixing CBD oil into food is a good alternative. The oil is fat-soluble, so it is better not to drop a dose into water. If you want to add CBD oil to a beverage, keep in mind that the oil mixes better with milk.
Do CBD oil products contain contaminants that are harmful to a child?
CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant, and there is a risk that some products may contain harmful impurities. Mostly, it happens because some dishonest manufacturers can use industrial hemp4. To avoid this, choose trustworthy brands and high-quality products as you cannot scrimp on your child’s health.
Before buying any CBD oil, learn the production methods. The easiest way is to read the information on the manufacturer’s website or talk to a customer service representative.
Check where hemp plant comes from. In the UK it there are strict laws and regulations that manufacturers and producers must adhere to.
Learn the recent lab results. Some manufacturers include them in the packaging. Others provide them on their website.
And remember, for many families, CBD has become a miracle cure that allows their kids to live a full life without stressful doctor visits, hospitalization, and dangerous medications.
If you still have some myths about CBD, consult with your doctor. Together you can find a way to make your child happy and healthy.
References
- Hayward E. Cannabis drugs for epilepsy and multiple sclerosis are approved for NHS use | Daily Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7671119/Cannabis-drugs-epilepsy-multiple-sclerosis-approved-NHS-use.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490. Accessed November 12, 2019.
- Scutti S. Cannabidiol slashes seizures in kids with rare epilepsy, study finds. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2017/05/24/health/cannabidiol-epilepsy-study/index.html. Accessed November 12, 2019.
- Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi:10.7812/TPP/18-041
- Freese B. What Farmers Need to Know About Growing Hemp. Successful Farming. https://www.agriculture.com/news/crops/what-farmers-need-to-know-about-growing-hemp. Published January 17, 2019. Accessed November 11, 2019.
