Recently more and more parents have turned to CBD to treat conditions in children as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals. That being said there are still many unanswered questions when it comes to this topic. Is it legal? Are there side effects? Can it really be as effective as a pharmaceutical medication? Before I answer any of these questions I want to urge you to consult with your child’s doctor. If your doctor isn’t educated regarding CBD, then a pediatric neurologist may be more helpful.
There are many conditions for which CBD can be helpful in children. Epilepsy, Autism, anxiety, and hyperactivity just to name a few. If your child is suffering from one of these conditions, it’s likely that they’re on a pharmaceutical medication with side effects. Not to say that CBD doesn’t have side effects, but it may be worth your time to compare the differences. CBD side effects may include sleepiness, elevated liver enzymes, diminished appetite, rash, and diarrhea. These side effects are rare but definitely something to look out for if you’re considering administering CBD to your child.
As for the legality, it’s not black and white. Obviously your child can’t purchase CBD for themselves, but the DEA has better things to do than arrest you for giving CBD to your child. Its best to “keep it on the down low” as legally it’s a bit of grey zone. However there are many parents who have openly spoken about how much of a change CBD has made in their child’s daily life and we’ve yet to see any legal measures taken.
Knowing which products and how much of them to give to your child is a must. A pediatric neurologist should recommend a specific product and dosing for your child’s needs. Even after a dose has been suggested, it’s important to monitor the effects and alter doses to make sure your child is getting the most out of whatever product you and your doctor have chosen. It’s important to note that different forms of CBD can vary in absorption rates. So your child may have to take a larger dose if they’re eating a CBD gummy for example, as opposed to a CBD tincture.
CBD has been studied extensively but 99.9% of CBD on the market hasn’t been approved by the FDA. The choice is yours on weather or not you think your child would benefit from it. For some children it’s the difference between having no control over their body, and being able to remain calm. For others it may not be a suitable choice. Whatever you decide for your child, it’s important to be well educated and make an informed decision based on your child’s needs.
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