For a very long time now, the topic of CBD usage among kids has remained a very controversial topic in pediatric society. While in most cases, doctors straight up refuse to prescribe CBD for children, there have been certain instances where it has shown positive results.
The biggest issues to date remain a lack of proper trials and studies, and so far, Epidiolex (FDA-approved medicine for treating severe epilepsy) is the only prescription CBD-infused medicine available for kids.
However, certain brands out there are now formulating CBD oil for kids, but it mostly remains in the grey area so far. Should you choose to buy CBD oil for kids, figuring out the right dosage is very important. This article will cover what research shows, what experts think about dosing, what the safety concerns are, and how you, as a parent, should go about it.
Is CBD Oil for Kids Legal?
The legal landscape for CBD products is a bit tricky when it comes to children. As per the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), only one CBD product is approved for children, and that too through prescription only. It’s known as Epidiolex and is given to treat:
- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: A severe form of childhood epilepsy that causes different types of seizures and cognitive impairment.
- Dravet Syndrome: A rare form of epilepsy that causes developmental issues in kids.
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A genetic disorder that causes non-cancerous tumor growth in the brain and other parts of the body, which then leads to seizures.
So you can understand that Epidiolex is a very special medicine and is much different from regular CBD gummies, oils, and other over-the-counter products.
Other than Epidiolex, regular CBD products are generally not allowed for children’s usage unless a doctor recommends it under supervision. The medical community is also very cautious about it, with the majority not in favor because of a lack of testing and trials.
The only available studies regarding its use case for ADHD and anxiety in kids are very short-term, with not much concrete data. Even though the demand is there from the parents’ side, doctors are often hesitant to allow it.
Most worry that CBD may affect the growth of children. Regardless, there are some states where there’s no age limit for buying CBD products, and there have been cases where kids as young as 10 or 11 were found munching on CBD gummies and whatnot.
Slowly, some states are moving to bring more strict guidelines regarding how CBD is sold and advertised in the United States.
How Much CBD Should Be Given to Children
Doctors who recommend CBD for specific cases in children often follow the “go slow” advice. That is, start with a very low dosage, as children’s bodies are delicate and still in development mode.
They first want to see how the body responds and if the side effects, if any, are manageable or not. A low dosage for children is around 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, medium is 1 mg, and high is 1.5 to 2 mg.
These are way less than what adults are given, as adult bodies can handle CBD much better than kids. There’s no one hard and fast guideline that every pediatrician follows; each case is unique and specific, and a tailored yet adaptable dosing guideline is made for children.
Different conditions like epilepsy, sleep troubles, ADHD, anxiety, or bedwetting due to nightmares may require different dosages. For example, in the case of Epidiolex, doses can go as high as 10 mg per kg, but this was mostly during studies, and in real life, it’s much lower.
Medical supervision is a must when it comes to giving CBD to children. Parents should avoid doing the guesswork, as it may lead to severe negative effects. A healthcare professional who knows your children’s medical history is best suited to monitor and tailor the CBD usage. Self-dosing puts children at unnecessary risk.
Outlook of the Medical Community
The outlook of the medical community regarding CBD for kids is quite divided. All in all, experts agree that it can be highly beneficial, but the lack of studies stops them from coming out in all-out support.
The influx of unregulated and poorly tested products, often having a higher cannabinoid concentration than mentioned on the label, is also a growing concern. That’s why over-the-counter CBD products are something most experts can’t get behind.
The Epidiolex results shine a positive light, but in its trail, there were also many side effects like high temperature, liver damage, restlessness, difficulty in sleeping, stomach issues, and more. The American Academy of Pediatrics is in favor of more research, and they expect more widespread results and evidence before fully supporting it.
Neurologists who treat epilepsy in kids are in favor, as they have seen it working in many cases, but only under heavy supervision. Also, CBD reacts very differently in children. Some need a higher dose, while others respond to a minimal one. Age is also a big factor, and metabolism is continuously evolving.
What should parents do?
Parents must get in touch with a doctor first before considering CBD for their children. The doctor will be able to give proper dosage guidelines based on the children’s case history. In most cases, other methods will be exhausted first, and CBD will mostly be a last resort.
If the doctor approves, then parents must go ahead with only highly certified brands like Colorado Botanical, which provides the latest lab test results for all the products. Also, parents must keep a constant watch out for any severe side effects and keep a detailed record of timings, potency per serving, and any changes in behavior.
Conclusion
To sum it up, CBD for children does show promising results, but it requires careful dosing and supervision by medical professionals. Parents should refrain from giving their children over-the-counter CBD products without consulting with doctors first.
As for the dosage guidelines, 1 to 2 mg per pound of body weight is the norm for children, but it’s not fixed and can vary depending on the specific case. If you do decide to buy CBD for your children, try to stick with only reputable and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.