CBD is the non-intoxicating psychoactive that comes from the same plant species as marijuana. Since CBD cannot make people high and has minimal side effects, many are trying this natural compound to help them with their mental health struggles and physical issues.
Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has weighed in on this trending compound, deeming it safe to use. So it is no wonder that parents are considering CBD to help their children deal with anxiety, autism symptoms, ADHD, and other health issues.
Yet, even something as safe as CBD must be taken with caution, especially if given to children. The following are seven things to keep in mind before administering CBD to your kid.
CBD edibles look like regular food
They may be infused with CBD, but it doesn’t mean CBD edibles will look any different from regular food. Brands are working hard to make CBD products look discreet. For this reason, so many consumers are opting for edibles because they can take a dose in public without drawing attention to themselves.
However, if you purchase CBD edibles to give to your kids, you must keep the edibles somewhere not so handy. Although CBD is considered safe, you don’t want your kids to experience unnecessary side effects such as nausea and vomiting from overeating this natural compound.
They take longer to work
Unlike vape liquid or CBD oil, edibles take longer to work. It may take from one to two hours for your child to experience any changes. Therefore, it is critical not to rush the process. Instead, experts recommend you start small. For example, start with half a gummy bear, then increase if necessary.
Always check the THC content
The reason many countries have legalized CBD is because of its lack of THC. Marijuana contains a high level of THC, and as a result, it causes people to become high. In contrast, hemp-derived CBD has less than 0.3 percent THC.
So when you take CBD, there is no risk of becoming high, overdosing, or becoming paranoid. Yet, it doesn’t mean that all CBD edibles in the market have less than 0.3 percent THC. Some brands may use more than the advised percentage. Therefore, you must check the back of the label before you give your child any CBD edible to ensure that it has minimal THC.
CBD is helpful for people with epilepsy
The only FDA-approved CBD-based drug on the market is one called Epidiolex. Doctors can prescribe this medicine to children as young as two years old who suffer from a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet’s syndrome. To date, there is no other FDA-approved drug that contains CBD.
Research on CBD is lacking
Thanks to its lack of THC and legalization in several countries, many users are hailing CBD as a remarkable natural compound that delivers a list of benefits. Indeed, many are using CBD to help them with their anxiety, depression, stress, symptoms of menopause, infertility, to prevent heart disease and diabetes, and the list goes on. Early data shows favorable evidence of such benefits. However, studies on CBD are limited, and much still needs to be analyzed to understand the full impact and long-term effects of this natural compound on the body.
It can help with autism and ADHD
Although more studies are required to verify the benefits of CBD for children with autism and ADHD, some parents have already praised the work of this natural compound. For starters, parents of children with autism have described it as helping them deal better with their anxiety.
Inaccuracies amid CBD products
The rise in demand for CBD products has led to a boom in the industry. Brands all over the world are working to deliver safe products that meet customers’ expectations. Yet, as with everything in business, some brands are also looking to make money fast by selling low-quality CBD products for a lower price. Distinguishing the good from the bad is critical if you want to keep your child safe. The following is a checklist of things to look out for when verifying the authenticity of the brand:
- A professional-looking website
- A helpful customer service portal where questions get a clear answer
- A certificate of analysis conducted by a third-party laboratory following ISO standards
- The CBD used is extracted with CO2 to prevent contamination
- Certified organic products
Finally, it’s essential to consult with your child’s physician before administering CBD. If your child is already taking medication, stopping it abruptly may cause more harm than good. Moreover, CBD could block the work of your child’s medication and cause unnecessary health issues.
Your doctor can offer advice on the correct dose and the best brands out there so that you can approach this natural route safely. A medical professional can also help in monitoring your child on CBD and determine if it is helping.