Kids & CBD: is it Safe for Children to Consume?

CBD has quickly become one of the most popular alternative medicines available. We take it to help alleviate a variety of issues, including anxiety, stress, and sleeping disorders, and the few available tests have shown that CBD has few negative side effects. With school starting up and our kids' schedules getting busier, we're left wondering if we can safely give CBD to our children. CBD for kids is a relatively new idea, so there are not a lot of studies to back the safety of its use. However, the research that does exist suggests that CBD oil for kids may not be such a bad idea. Below, we'll take you through the key talking points you should understand before going to a medical professional to ask the final question: is CBD safe for kids?

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of the two most prominent chemical compounds found in cannabis. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the other prominent compound, although it has several important distinguishers that separate it from CBD. Unlike THC, which is found in marijuana plants, CBD is found in both marijuana and hemp plants and does not have any psychoactive properties. So, to be clear: CBD is not marijuana and it will not get you or your kid high. While THC and CBD are often thought to be most therapeutically beneficial when taken together, they both have similar effects when used independently of one another. CBD binds to the same receptors within our endocannabinoid system as THC, which causes it to alleviate pain, soothes nerves, and has been found to help with conditions such as PTSD and epilepsy (all without causing a high or overwhelmingly negative side effect).

Is CBD Legal?

Yes, CBD is legal in every state. Not all states allow certain forms of consumption, but CBD was made federally legal with the 2018 Farm Bill. Because it is no longer a controlled substance, it is legal to give children CBD without a medical license, unlike medical marijuana.

What Available CBD Product Are There?

As its popularity increases, so too do the available products. CBD has been infused with almost anythingyou can think of. There are CBD chocolate bars, coffees, teas, seltzers, gummies, concentrates, and candies. You can also dab CBD, smoke from CBD vape pens, and apply it topically with lotions and oils. There are even CBD pillows, makeups, bath bombs, hair treatments, and pet-friendly products. The most common and trustworthy products are, however, likely going to be gummies and concentrates. For reasons we will discuss in a moment, it's safer to buy products from well-trusted brands, like our friends over at CBD Infusionz. Also, because of the bitter flavor of straight CBD, it is ideal for children to take gummies or products that will mask the natural flavor. The best CBD gummies for kids will be flavored and chewable for easier consumption.

Is CBD Safe for Kids?

From everything we know: yes, CBD is safe for kids. However, please note that we are not a medical source - you should talk to a medical professional before giving your child CBD. The two biggest concerns that many professionals note are these: CBD might react poorly with other medications and CBD products sometimes contain THC. These are not small issues and should be appropriately addressed.

According to recent research, CBD is generally safe to use but can affect the way your body processes other medications. Because of this, you or your child should not use CBD without taking the necessary precautions. If you are on other medications, speak to a medical professional before taking CBD. The second concern is related to CBD regulation. Most CBD products are unregulated, which means you it's up to the companies to be honest about the products they sell. In a 2017 test, it was found that nearly 70% of CBD oils are somehow mislabeled and that over 20% contained THC. Because of this, it's important to read reviews, do your research, and look for products that have third-party safety certifications on their label. If you give your child CBD that has THC in it, they may become high. Using a trustworthy brand, like CBD Infusionz, that discloses CBD lab testing reports on their site is essential for the safety of your kids.

Can a Child Overdose on CBD Oil?

There are no proven cases of a CBD overdose, including both adults and children. While overdosing shouldn't be an issue, it's also safe to say you should not give your children large quantities of any self-regulated supplement.

What Are Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Children?

While there are not a lot of studies covering CBD use on children, there have yet to be any negative findings. Overall, our understanding of CBD points to it being widely beneficial to many children and adults. There have been recent studies suggesting that CBD oil for kids with anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD, epilepsy, or autism may be a real benefit. A study published in Frontier in Pharmacology found that children with autism experienced reduced self-injury and rage attacks, decreased hyperactivity, and improved sleep. It also found that any adverse effects, which were primarily somnolence and appetite change, were mild. Other studies have shown positive effects when CBD is used on children to treat PTSD and insomnia.

Additionally, the only FDA-approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, which is used to treat seizures in patients 2 years or older. With the approval of this drug, the government has acknowledged CBD's beneficial medicinal uses. Epidiolex also shows that, while CBD for toddlers is highly understudied and not necessarily advised, there has been an affirmative precedent set by the government.

Conditions CBD Reportedly Improves

Insomnia and other sleeping conditions

Anxiety and Depression

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism

Epilepsy

PTSD

Chronic Pain

Acne

Eating Disorders

Please note that CBD testing has been fairly limited. Compared to its popularity and cultural relevance, there are very few founded scientific facts about the long-lasting implications of CBD use. There have been no studies that indicate CBD is bad for us or our children, but that doesn't mean we can confidently say that it's 100% safe. Because of this, please consult a medical professional before giving CBD to your children, especially if they are already taking other forms of medication. Hopefully, over the next few years, we will have a better understanding of this chemical compound that seems to have such positive effects for so many people.

Have concerns or insights with giving children CBD oil? Post your comments below to help us all stay more informed as a community!