Using CBD for Children’s Disorders: How Do I Implement It Properly?
27 September 2023The use of CBD offers many health benefits and could also be used for disorders in children. But the question is, how do you use this product responsibly and correctly? It’s important to consider interactions with medications and the fact that children over the age of 4 are still growing. In this blog, we explore the possibilities and explain what to watch out for.
The Benefits of CBD
In recent years, CBD Oil has become one of the most popular supplements to support health. More and more parents are considering using CBD for their children. CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural remedy with few side effects. It works in conjunction with the body to restore balance.
The body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system’s task is to regulate processes such as sleep, pain perception, inflammatory processes, and emotions. It uses endogenous cannabinoids, but plant-based cannabinoids, like CBD, can also interact with the ECS.
In this way, CBD can influence health. It has anti-inflammatory, calming, and analgesic properties. It is often used for (chronic) pain, menstrual complaints, sleep problems, and anxiety and depression.
CBD can also be used for children over 4 years old, but not much is known about its safety, dosage, and effects. In this blog, we list the disorders in children for which CBD could be used. However, we are not medical experts and cannot provide advice on medical issues. If you want more information about a specific complaint and CBD, consult your treating physician.
CBD and Disorders in Children
Due to its unique properties, CBD can be used for various disorders, such as autism, epilepsy, and ADHD.
For Children with Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder where a child struggles with social interactions and is quickly overwhelmed. Intense emotions, such as tantrums and fears, are also common.
There is very little research on CBD in children with autism. The use of CBD might have benefits. Its calming effect can help with stress and anxiety and may also reduce aggression and self-harming behavior. Studies suggest that cannabidiol can have positive effects on autism.
However, these studies are small-scale, and it’s essential to learn more about CBD’s safety in children and its effects on autism symptoms. On the other hand, there are testimonials from parents who say that CBD, alongside regular treatment, can offer many benefits.
Much remains to be discovered. A 2022 case report published in Frontiers in Pharmacology reported that a child treated with pure CBD oil benefited significantly. During puberty, CBD became less effective, and the child exhibited increased hyperactivity and even aggressive behavior. Eventually, a carefully composed mix of anxiety-reducing and calming terpenes was added to the CBD.
This proved very effective. The aggressive behavior disappeared, and this was even possible with a lower CBD dose than before.
CBD and Epilepsy in Children
Epilepsy is one of the disorders where CBD can be very effective. CBD is often prescribed for forms that don’t respond well to conventional medication. Dr. Richard Huntsman, a neurologist at the University of Saskatchewan, conducted research on 20 children with severe epilepsy. First, they looked at how often they had epileptic seizures. Parents also provided detailed medical information.
Each month, the children received increasing amounts of CBD oil (a maximum dose of 12 mg per kilo was still safe). The CBD oil proved effective. On average, the children experienced a 60% reduction in epileptic seizures. Huntsman considers this a significant result. Not all children responded the same. But one child had no more epileptic seizures by the end of the study.
CBD for Disorders: ADHD
For both adults and children, not much is clear about CBD’s effectiveness for ADHD. Common symptoms include impulsivity, a short attention span, and hyperactivity. Mood disorders often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Due to its positive effects on mood and cognition, CBD might also be used for ADHD.
Research on CBD for disorders like ADHD is still in its infancy. And much of the research focuses on the effects of cannabis, not just CBD.
Since CBD affects specific receptors in the brain, it might help improve concentration-related symptoms. Its calming effect can help with anxiety and stress symptoms often associated with ADHD.
Safe Use of CBD in Children
Given the uncertainties surrounding CBD in children, you might wonder if this remedy is safe for children. On one hand, it’s tempting to say yes. It’s a natural remedy with few side effects. And the WHO has approved CBD for children. However, consider a minimum age of 4, as this also makes communication about its effects easier.
On the other hand, it’s essential to remember that children are still developing. We simply don’t know CBD’s exact effects, especially on a growing body.
Furthermore, CBD can interact with medications your child is already taking. It can influence the drug’s effectiveness, leading to more side effects or reduced efficacy. This applies to certain antibiotics, epilepsy drugs, and sedatives.
If you want to use CBD oil or CBD tablets and your child has one of the above disorders (or other conditions), first consult with the treating physician to see if this remedy is suitable for your situation. If you give CBD to your child, pay close attention to side effects and whether your child genuinely benefits from it.
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