Is CBD oil Safe For Kids?

Cannabidiol (CBD) based products have endless properties. It can be used daily or in addition to a treatment. And, in addition, it has different forms of use. Now, is it suitable for everyone? What if i want to give my kids CBD? Is cbd oil safe for kids? That is one of the biggest questions facing Cannabidiol-based products. Is it safe for children? In this post we are going to delve into this topic and clear up the doubts of parents. Especially if you have children with pathologies such as autism, epilepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this blog is for you.

Much is the misinformation that surrounds CBD-based products. In Debunking Myths: Four Questions About Using CBD Oil we shed some light on this product. One of the great determining factors when buying the oil is whether it causes hallucinogenic effects. As we have explained, Cannabidiol is a component of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Within it is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychotropic component of the plant. This is used for recreational purposes to generate a “high” effect. CBD products have tiny amounts of THC. And, in addition, it neutralizes the hallucinogenic effects. The World Health Organization(WHO) said in a report that CBD has no psychoactive properties or addiction potential. It also does not cause harmful effects. And it has been shown to effectively treat certain childhood-onset disorders.

CBD oil and kids

As we have mentioned previously, the WHO has confirmed that the use of CBD does not generate addiction or dependence. And, in addition, it does not cause significant damage. Its properties address a wide spectrum of pathologies and symptoms that apply to both adults and children. But, focusing specifically on children, Cannabidiol has very favorable effects on children who suffer: stress, anxiety, epilepsy, autism and ADHD. And it has multiple forms of consumption to adapt to them.

Stress and anxiety

Especially in times like these where the coronavirus causes us distress, uncertainty, and also generates stress and anxiety, the properties of CBD are a great palliative.

Children are not exempt from this. Confinement, lack of contact with loved ones and the inability to perform their usual tasks are great stress and anxiety enhancers.

Not only in this context, in the old normality, anxiety is also a factor that the little ones suffer from. CBD is a natural alternative to face this situation. Although it should be used under the supervision of a health professional, Cannabidiol can help relax and generate neurotransmitters that decrease anxiety levels.

Epilepsy

This pathology is characterized by a failure of nerve cells in the brain. These generate a shock that produces involuntary movements of the body, known as seizures. About 50 million people suffer from this disease and there is no cure.

It has been found that the use of CBD oil can substantially decrease the periodicity of seizures. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a specific Cannabidiol-based drug for patients with epilepsy.

Many boys and girls around the world with epilepsy have taken up CBD oil and the results have been more than positive. Still, the oil can in no way replace a medical treatment, but rather complement it. That is why it should be dosed under the supervision of a health professional.

Read: What is Epilepsy and how CBD can help you

Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pathology characterized by deficiencies in communication and social interaction. There are different nuances to this disorder, which is why it is called a “spectrum.” It has certain limitations regarding behaviors, interests or activities in society.

This pathology develops mainly in childhood but it is lived with throughout life. It is not a disorder that has a cure and it does not have a specific origin. It can be due to genetic or environmental aspects during the gestation period.

As has been studied, the endocannabinoid system is involved in the processes that these disorders go through. Therefore, it is thought that the plant’s cannabinoids could help to reduce symptoms. According to the CANNA Foundation, “CBD could be presented as a” normalizer of behavior “. And it is very interesting since there are no signs of sedation, the alert state is correct and remains without problems, but the behavior stabilizes in many cases ”.

Children with ASD who have incorporated Cannabidiol present small changes in their behavior that favor social integration. The doctor Mariano Garcia de Palau from Fundación CANNA explained: “We still lack clinical trials that can definitively provide us with the necessary data on its effectiveness in ASD. We also do not have studies on the prolonged use of CBD, on its use in the medium and long term, and the possible undesirable consequences. But for the moment CBD is safe and very non-toxic, in fact, the maximum dose is not yet known ”.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADHD is a neurological disorder that influences inattention and the development of hyperactive-compulsive behavior. It arises in the first years of childhood and can last into adulthood.

To identify it, there are some signs that could indicate that a child may have ADHD, but the final diagnosis will be made by a professional. For example: lack of concentration, difficulty following instructions. Organization and distraction problems. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, among others.

The neurotransmitters in CBD can reduce these symptoms of hyperactivity and provide a natural state of relaxation for the child. In addition, as in the case of children with ASD, it functions as a “normalizer of behavior.”

Still, children with ADHD must follow psychologically derived behavioral treatment to address these behaviors in a more comprehensive way.

How to give CBD to my children

There are different ways to provide CBD oil to children. Sometimes giving them a medication can be difficult but luckily there are several ways to get them to incorporate the oil. Let us always bear in mind that CBD oil is not a treatment in itself, but must complement an existing diagnosis made by a professional.

Forms of consumption:

1. Sublingual: with small drops under the tongue of children. Consult dosage with a specialist.
2. In infusions: add them in drinks.
3. In food or candy (there are gummies with CBD extracts)
4. Syrups
5. Creams (for skin conditions)

Keep in mind that it is not the same to dose a child than an adult. Considerable differences in size and weight must be taken into account. And also the sensitivity of the endocannabinoid system, which is much more prevalent in childhood than in adulthood. That is why when dosing a child is done by a professional.

Discover: Learn about the CBD manufacturing process

Conclusion

Answering the initial question: is it safe for children? CBD oil is suitable for children. As it does not have psychotropic properties, it does not produce hallucinogenic effects. Especially if your children suffer from the pathologies described above, Cannabidiol is ideal for them. Let us bear in mind that the endocannabinoid system is in its greatest splendor in the first years of childhood, so if it does not have a pathology that affects it, it should not overstimulate that system. That is why when implementing the oil it is necessary for a doctor to prescribe it.

We must be in suspense of the constant investigations that are made in the matter of Cannabidiol and children. The properties of CBD are in constant discovery and it is suitable for all ages.