CBD has many awesome effects on both physical and mental health in adults, but the question remains whether or not it’s safe for use in children. Many parents use CBD to manage ADHD and other conditions in children, as well as chronic pain and anxiety.
When it comes down to it, it’s up to the parent whether or not to allow CBD usage in their child, but we’ll provide some objective information on the effects of CBD and what the experts say about using it in children so you can make a better-informed decision.
Are there CBD gummies for kids? Are they safe? Keep reading to learn more.
What is CBD?
Before we move forward, it’s important to define CBD and differentiate it from its cousin, THC. CBD and THC might both be found in the Cannabis plant, but they are different compounds.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is not a psychoactive compound, like Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is responsible for the “high” people feel when they use marijuana, but you don’t have to worry about that as long as you’re not buying full-spectrum CBD oil (this contains trace amounts of THC, and while it won’t produce a high, it’s actually illegal on a federal level).
CBD and THC are two of 113 Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant, and each has its own specific function. These compounds interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid system, which was only recently discovered in 1992. The system was found to be responsible for many bodily processes that help maintain homeostasis.
The purpose of the ECS is to maintain balance and function on an internal level, even when external factors would prevent it. CBD interacts with certain neurological receptors to help manage pain, stress, anxiety, and much more.
The Legality
CBD and THC are often confused, especially when it comes to their legality. Here, we’ll clarify the legal status of each, so you’ll know the difference and can feel good knowing you’re within the law using CBD products.
Hemp and marijuana are cousin plants, but only one is legal at the federal level in the United States. While many states have legalized marijuana usage, the federal government still considers it and THC to be a Schedule 1 drug, which is punishable by law.
CBD is derived from industrial hemp, which must contain below 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis to be considered legal at the federal level. This legalization only recently went into effect in 2018, which explains some of the confusion.
The bottom line? As long as your CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, it’s legal and you’re well within the law if you use it.
The Kiddos
Adult and children’s bodies are different in how they function and how they react to things like CBD. That being said, the uses of CBD remain the same. Both adults and children can benefit from CBD’s many effects, which include reducing anxiety, improving focus and clarity, and much more.
If you want to introduce your children to CBD, the first thing to do is talk with their doctor. Why are you using CBD on your child? Conditions such as ADHD, which is quite common, can benefit from CBD, and many parents prefer a more “natural approach” as opposed to prescription drugs.
The facts are as follows:
- Kids can benefit from CBD
- It’s generally safe to use
- There are little to no side effects
- CBD is readily available and affordable
Regulation
The only real problem with CBD and the industry itself is the lack of regulation. Since the FDA doesn’t actually regulate CBD products, there can be some issues when it comes to certain brands. There’s no quality standard that’s enforced unless it’s the quality standard set by some of the industry’s top brands.
This means that there’s always a risk of getting a low-quality CBD product. This is why it’s so important to carefully choose a provider. Check reviews, ingredients, and the company’s history in customer service and quality before making a decision.
It’s not clear whether or not the FDA plans to regulate CBD in the future, but for now, you’ll just have to rely on the advice of your doctor, previous and current customers, and the wealth of information available online.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that yes, CBD is safe for kids to use, but you’ll probably want to talk to your child’s doctor before introducing it. He’ll be able to assist you in setting the proper dose, as well as monitor your child’s health for any adverse effects (which is incredibly rare and usually only amounts to fatigue or diarrhea).
You’ll find that CBD is incredibly beneficial to kids, especially those that suffer from anxiety-related disorders. Don’t forget to research your brands before you buy!
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