While talk around the benefits of taking CBD oil has been largely focussed on adults, people are starting to ask \u00b4what about CBD for kids?\u00b4 Children and young people can, too, reap the rewards of this natural substance when understood and used responsibly.<\/p>\n
Cannabidiol (CBD)<\/a>, is a natural compound that derives from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of marijuana. Both have been utilised throughout history for their boost to well-being as they work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) through cannabinoid receptors.<\/p>\n Unlike THC, another compound found within the marijuana family, it does not have psychoactive effects. To date, CBD has not been found to have any public health-related problems when used in its pure form, and the benefits are booming.<\/p>\n As the studies continue, CBD research such as a World Health Organisation report<\/a> has found there is no evidence that CBD has any public health-related problems associated with use in its pure form.<\/p>\n This is why CBD is legally available in a number of countries on both a recreational and medicinal level. For minors, laws around CBD are applied in the same way, so check the specifics of your country or area.<\/p>\n In the United Kingdom, for example, the National Health Service prescribes CBD oil for children and adults with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome, both rare forms of epilepsy.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re reading from the U.S. check out the National Cannabis Industry Association for a state-by-state breakdown<\/a>.<\/p>\n As the positive results of CBD have started rolling in with adults, now many ask when or if I should consider giving CBD oil (or related products) to my child?<\/p>\n The health benefits of CBD for kids, like adults, can be used alongside some medications, or simply as a solo natural solution.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll now outline some of the top 7 conditions where CBD can be used for kids, and why there are these health benefits.<\/p>\n Aid with epilepsy<\/a> is one of the greatest uses for CBD, and as an add-on therapy has been found to be greatly effective in reducing seizure burden in a range of epilepsies, including refractory childhood epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome.<\/p>\n Studies<\/a> have shown that CBD was linked with 51% and 48% reductions in median monthly convulsive and total seizures, respectively, after a 12 week period.<\/p>\n Does CBD oil help with behavioral problems, and general child behavior?<\/p>\n Because it isn\u2019t psychoactive, CBD oil is at the heart of many studies where this might pose some risk.<\/p>\n Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD are examples of this. One study<\/a> found that at least 60% of patients showed improvements of 20% or more. Within the related disorders ADHD, in particular, showed some of the greatest potential.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth noting that the side effects of CBD are uncommon and less damaging than traditional meds used for ASD, ADHD, sleep disorders, or epilepsy.<\/p>\n While using CBD for kids with ASD and ADHD<\/a> shows promising results, more research is needed to build the foundations of harder clinical evidence, and you shouldn\u2019t use CBD without medical advice.<\/p>\n Anxiety<\/a> is a condition that has erupted in recent years. Even more so among younger generations, and this trend, even more when considering the Covid pandemic, is on the rise.<\/p>\n In the Neurotherapeutics Journal, a 2015 review<\/a> of 49 studies found CBD to be effective in reducing anxiety behaviors linked to multiple disorders.<\/p>\n It\u2019s thought the positive effects on mood are, again, because of CBD attaching to receptors of the ECS, as well as receptors in the brain such as serotonin (5HT)1a.<\/p>\n For more on this visit our \u2018Does CBD help anxiety? Here are the facts\u2019 blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cannabinoid compounds such as CBD have been proven to modulate the immune system and act as regulators, and, according to the National University of Natural Medicine, offer a beneficial strategy for treating autoimmune disorders.<\/p>\n There is currently considerable evidence that manipulation of the ECS can regulate nausea and vomiting. Meaning that, thanks to CBD reacting with these receptors, CBD oil can be used for kids and adults alike in reducing their symptoms.<\/p>\n Asthma is an ailment estimated to burden over 300 million people and is largely caused by inflammation of the lungs.<\/p>\n This is where CBD offers a breath of fresh air<\/a>, as the hottest research continues to prove its anti-inflammatory effects.<\/p>\n For asthma, research<\/a> has shown that CBD treatment decreased inflammation as well as airway hyperresponsiveness.<\/p>\n As with any substance, whether it\u2019s natural or not, the most important thing is knowing the potential risks involved. So, what are the potential risks of CBD for kids, and can a child safely use CBD?<\/p>\n With anyone taking CBD a big risk is the possible reactions it may have with other medications and conditions.<\/p>\n Like grapefruit and some other substances, CBD interferes with how the body metabolizes drugs, so it\u2019s critical to check these interactions first and ask medical professionals.<\/p>\n Also, for more info, you can head to our \u2018CBD interactions: 9 drugs that may interact with CBD\u2019 blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the question \u2018is CBD oil safe for my child?\u2019 does not find an easy answer as many studies are in the works, but the early results around safety are encouraging and just kicking off.<\/p>\n As children\u2019s bodies are still in development extra care is needed to make sure they are not consuming harmful products.<\/p>\n Here are some priorities when choosing to use CBD for kids:<\/p>\n Although smoking CBD vapes and bud are popular CBD products, the smoking process still causes damage to the body and children should not take any of these products.<\/p>\nIs it legal to give CBD to children?<\/h2>\n
What are The Health Benefits of CBD in Children?<\/h2>\n
1. CBD for kids with Epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome<\/h3>\n
2. CBD for kids with Autism & ADHD<\/h3>\n
3. CBD for kids with Anxiety<\/h3>\n
4. CBD for kids with Autoimmune Diseases<\/h3>\n
5. CBD for kids with Nausea<\/h3>\n
6. CBD for kids with Asthma<\/h3>\n
Potential risks of CBD for kids<\/h2>\n
How to choose the right CBD product for kids?<\/h2>\n
1. No smoking\/vaping<\/h3>\n
2. Use CBD oil<\/h3>\n