What Are The Issues?
First off, let’s get one thing very clear. This article in no way replaces the qualified opinion of your primary care physician or other medical professional. This article in no way is trying to make any health claims associated with CBD. Instead this article looks to reflect on the state of the industry from the perspective of effects on children and how it is being used. Now that we’ve made that clear let’s get rolling.
The main issue surrounding the use of CBD and children with certain medical conditions or symptoms is that CBD has not been fully vetted or studied or federally approved except in a very few exceptions. So, the effects on children and the effectiveness of the dose on the issues of the children are generally still unknown and up for debate.
Yes there have been many studies. For example an article from 2015 shows positive results for use of CBD to help combat depression and other generalized anxiety disorders. The authors state that “existing pre-clinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely.”
However, they qualify their results by saying “current evidence indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders, with need for further study of chronic and therapeutic effects in relevant clinical populations.” The word used is “potential” not proven.
Further, if a parent decides to use CBD for themselves or any member of their family there is an issue of what guidelines are the following? What products should they buy? Are they certified somehow? What is the dosage? Are there any side-effects or issues with other medications?
Are There Benefits?
If you speak with a CBD representative you are sure to hear that CBD is the snake oil of the century. It can cure your pain, arthritis, seizures, sleeping problems, headaches, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and that last divorce. This isn’t to say that CBD can’t do all of these things (well maybe not solve your last divorce). There is a lot of “evidence” that it can provide amazing benefits with children suffering from seizures, Autism, ADHD, and general pain.
It could be that CBD really is the drug we all need in our lives. However, the medical research and implementation into the medical world is still in its infancy. Be skeptical and only try something new with your children under complete oversight and guidance from a medical professional.
What Should You Watch Out For?
If you are willing to try CBD for your children’s health issues or symptoms you may find a world of benefit. There are some pretty amazing stories on the positive changes that have occurred through the introduction of CBD into a children’s medical routine. However, here are the unknowns that you need to be aware of for any introduction of CBD:
- Talk to your children’s doctor before you do anything.
- Watch for side effects. They are not all known.
- Look for a reputable product. Don’t go for something cheap and research the company and your states regulatory system to ensure safety.
- Start low and slow. They are kids. Their bodies react differently than larger adults.
- Make sure you store the CBD safely to avoid expiration issues.
- It isn’t known fully how the brain absorbs CBD.
- It isn’t known fully how CBD interacts with other medications.