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Is It Safe to Give CBD to Young Children?

21 September 2023

CBD is one of the most popular health supplements currently, but you might be wondering if it’s safe to give to young children. CBD can be beneficial for various ailments, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, epilepsy, and pain. However, since children are still growing, it’s crucial to ensure the product’s safety. In this blog, we’ll outline what is known.

 

How Does CBD Work in Children?

Children, like adults, sometimes need an extra boost, whether for their immunity, pain, or sleep disturbances. However, even (natural) supplements can have side effects or even produce undesirable effects.

In essence, CBD Oil is a safe supplement, approved by the WHO (World Health Organisation) for use in children. CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the hemp plant. It can influence the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which aims to maintain the body’s balance.

The ECS regulates processes like the sleep-wake cycle, memory, immune system, and appetite. It utilizes cannabinoids produced by the body but also recognizes CBD and other plant-based cannabinoids, allowing them to interact with the ECS.

Children are still developing, including their ECS and other systems and organs, such as hormones, the immune system, and the brain. We still don’t know everything about the ECS, so we don’t fully understand its development in children or CBD’s influence on it. While much research has been done on CBD, unfortunately, not much has been done on CBD in children.

 

What Can You Use CBD For?

In adults, CBD is used for various health issues. As mentioned, it’s safe for daily and long-term use. It doesn’t cause dependency and has few side effects. However, an adult’s body and mind differ from children’s, so caution is essential.

There are some conditions where CBD use in children has been researched.

 

CBD in Children with Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a severe condition. In some cases, conventional medicines aren’t effective, such as with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Research has been done on the effectiveness of Epidiolex, a specially developed CBD-based medicine. This drug was studied in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 516 patients with these syndromes.

The drug was highly effective in reducing the number of seizures per month compared to the placebo. Other studies have yielded similar results.

For Autism

CBD can also help reduce symptoms in autism. Several studies have been done on the effectiveness of medical cannabis or CBD oil. One study involved 188 children with autism, aged between 5 and 18. They received a solution containing 30% CBD oil and 1.5% THC three times a day.

Almost all participants saw an improvement in symptoms, including restlessness, tantrums, and epileptic seizures. In almost all participants, these symptoms continued to decrease over six months.

Children and Anxiety

Does your child suffer from anxiety? CBD might help. While there’s been considerable research in adults, not much has been done in children. A case study involving a child with PTSD suggests that CBD oil can alleviate symptoms. The 10-year-old experienced reduced anxiety and insomnia.

Other Conditions

CBD has calming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can also be effectively used for sleep problems, inner restlessness, ADHD, or pain (such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle pain or injury).

 

Is It Safe to Give CBD to Children?

As you’ve read, CBD is given to children for certain severe conditions. Moreover, the WHO considers it safe. On the other hand, we still know very little about the effects of CBD (especially in children) and the ECS in general.

We must consider that children are still growing. Their bodies are developing and are therefore vulnerable. The ECS influences various processes, such as hormone balance and nerves. These systems, in turn, affect growth, brain development, the immune system, and more. It’s crucial to ensure that nothing disrupts or hinders these processes.

If we don’t precisely know CBD’s influence on the ECS and children’s development, we can’t accurately assess its effects. The FDA advises pregnant or breastfeeding women not to use CBD. The effects of CBD on unborn children and babies are still unknown.

 

Choosing High-Quality CBD Oil

If you want to give CBD to your child, it’s essential to proceed with caution. Always use a safe product that has been thoroughly tested. SupMedi’s CBD products are strictly controlled and meet all government requirements, ensuring that your CBD Oil is pure and of high quality.

Use a CBD oil with a low CBD percentage, such as CBD Oil 5% Full Spectrum. Not much is known about dosages, especially for children. Give your child a low dose and observe the effects. CBD has few side effects, but it might cause drowsiness or nausea.

Also, consider that CBD can influence the effects of certain medications. Always consult your child’s doctor before giving them CBD.

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