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What I Think About CBD as a Parent:
Our children are truly precious and should be valued above all other things. As a parent, I only want what is best for my children and their friends. When I see my kids grappling with certain issues, it’s especially tough, especially when conventional treatments don’t yield results. That is precisely why at Green Wellness we talk with many parents who have turned to natural options, including CBD. However; It is because of the high value we place on the lives of young people that we want to tell you, that by no means do we believe CBD is a fix for childhood issues. It is important that before you try any new supplement, you consult your child’s doctors and specialists. With that being said we do want to talk a little about the different CBD products that could benefit your children.
Understanding What CBD Is:
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural substance derived from hemp, a species of the cannabis plant. CBD is one of over 100 naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. These compounds are believed to interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Unlike another well-known cannabinoid, THC, CBD is not psychoactive and will not result in a feeling of being high or feeling of euphoria. The ECS is responsible for maintaining balance in our bodies. Research has linked it to a number of processes, including appetite and digestion, chronic pain, sleep, skin and nerve function, motor control, and muscle formation.
While CBD research is ongoing, it shows promise in treating various conditions and can benefit humans (including children) and pets with an ECS. Like any supplement or dietary change for children, consulting their doctor before using CBD is essential.
Is CBD Safe for Kids?
The first concern that every parent has, and rightfully so, is whether or not CBD is safe for children or young adults to consume. They may assume that CBD is a drug, and is thus unsafe for children. Even if they are cognizant of the safety of CBD products for adults, there is still a nagging concern that what is good for an adult may not be best-suited for a developing body. This concern is completely reasonable, and I hope to assuage some fears about CBD use with regards to children.
There aren’t many studies on CBD and its effects on different ages, unfortunately. This shortcoming is due to the restrictions that were once placed on researching hemp-derived products. Fortunately, an Oxford scientist’s study found that “Cannabis is a safer drug than aspirin and can be used long-term without serious side effects,” though this research focused on THC, another compound in cannabis. The study concluded that cannabis is safer than aspirin, commonly used for children’s headaches. However, this is just one study, so it’s advisable to consult a doctor before giving CBD to a child.
While CBD isn’t right for every child (and it isn’t a fix for any and all childhood issues), it may be beneficial for your kids. CBD is generally safe and effective, though some individuals may experience mild side effects like dry mouth or diarrhea. Unlike many prescription medications, CBD typically has few potential side effects and is well-tolerated. However, because CBD’s use in children is not extensively tested, consult your child’s doctor before giving it to them.
CBD is not going to calm active children…They are active and should be!
People who have children, at some point, have felt that life would be much easier if they could calm their child down and reduce their energy levels. I’ve heard both friends who have children and my own parents talk about how difficult younger children can be. While I can’t guarantee CBD will calm your children for extra rest or quiet time, studies suggest CBD oil may benefit individuals with epilepsy, attention issues, social inhibitions, dry skin problems, and mood issues.
What Benefits Could CBD Have For Children?
Early research suggests CBD may alleviate symptoms of various conditions and potentially prevent some diseases. While much of this research involves adults or animal studies, CBD shows promise for children facing similar challenges.
There’s increasing research highlighting CBD’s benefits across many areas, although much of it is still in its early stages. This emerging science continues to evolve daily, particularly in promising areas like mood stabilization. Individual processing levels and serving sizes vary, and we’re happy to discuss experiences and options. Alongside consulting medical professionals, it’s crucial to conduct your own research—we can never be too careful with our children’s health!
Should I Try CBD for My Children?
As parents, it can be difficult to determine how to best help our kids when they are facing a medical or mental health challenge. Traditional medications often carry serious side effects, and may not always be the best choice. If you are looking for a more natural way to help your child with a particular issue, CBD may be an option.
As noted above, it is vital that you consult with your child’s doctors or specialists before adding CBD to their diet. While CBD is generally considered safe, it may interact with certain prescription medications. Your child’s doctor can advise you on serving size and provide you with other important information.
If you choose to try CBD for your kids, there are four main options that may work for you: CBD capsules, CBD oils, CBD edibles, and topical CBD products. Because CBD has a grassy or earthy flavor, some kids may not enjoy taking CBD oil. They may also have difficulty swallowing a capsule, or keeping a transdermal patch on their skin.
For these reasons, many parents choose CBD edibles, such as gummies, for their kids. These gummies can help overcome objections to the taste of CBD. However, because they are sweet, you should always store CBD gummies in a safe place where your children cannot find them.
Because CBD is not regulated by the FDA, it can be difficult to know what exactly you are getting. To avoid spending money on a product that won’t be safe or effective, you should only purchase CBD that has been independently tested by a third party laboratory. You can then review the lab results to check for CBD levels and the presence of any impurities.
Buying High Quality CBD
At Green Wellness Life, we aren’t doctors, and cannot diagnose, prescribe, or treat any medical or mental health condition. However, we as parents, understand firsthand the challenges that many parents face when their kids struggle with certain issues. That is why we provide the latest research and information to our customers, so that they can make more informed decisions about using CBD for themselves, their pets, and their kids.
We only sell CBD products that are made from industrial hemp grown in the United States. All our products are independently tested for safety. You can review the lab results yourself. For more information, contact us at 866-244-4223 (9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., EST), use live chat, or fill out our online contact form.
Sources:
- Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System
- Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases
- Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes
- Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
- Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome
- A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study
- A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol in humans
- FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy
- Medical Cannabis in Children
- Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report