Imagine sitting with other moms at a playgroup or business lunch, and someone mentions that they give their kid CBD before bed to help him sleep at night and uses the best CBD cream (from Penguin CBD) to take care of bags under her eyes. If you’re unfamiliar with the product and have only heard widely circulated misconceptions about it, you’re probably reeling at the thought of it. How could any mom give her child marijuana??
The good news is, CBD is not marijuana, and it can actually be safe for children. Of course, you should do your research thoroughly before giving your child CBD to make sure it’s safe and recommended. Here are 8 things you need to know.
1. CBD comes from the hemp plant, which is low in THC.
Unlike certain myths, CBD does not come from the cannabis plant, which is high in THC and contains psychoactive properties. Instead, it’s derived from hemp, a low-THC, high-CBD plant with loads of medicinal benefits.
CBD is extracted from hemp using CO2 extraction, a process that removes the THC from the product while keeping all the CBD. In isolate CBD strains, CBD is the only substance present. In broad-spectrum CBD, there are cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other nutrients present, but no THC.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the goodies of CBD plus up to 0.3 percent THC content. This is the legal limit, and it isn’t enough to get your child high. However, many moms prefer broad-spectrum CBD to get the benefits of the medicine without any THC present.
2. CBD is commonly used to treat a severe epileptic condition in children.
To understand the effects of CBD on children, research its use on children suffering from severe epileptic conditions and Dravet syndromes. In some cases, CBD-based drugs reduced the number of seizures a child had from 300 to 0 in a week. This stunning research led to the first FDA-approved CBD-based drug, Epidiolex.
Since Dravet syndromes most commonly occur in children, we know that this CBD-based drug was safe for their use. Researching the matter further may give you all the answers you need to know about CBD’s effect on children.
3. CBD is sold legally online throughout the U.S.
If you want the best CBD oil online or sold in a dispensary, you’ll have to purchase and use it in states where cannabis products are legal. However, you can purchase CBD online and have it delivered to you in any state under new legislation.
Always be wary when buying CBD online. There are dozens of high-quality CBD sellers that use only quality products, but others care more about turning a profit than the safety of its consumers. Read third-party lab testing for any online CBD retailer to ensure the products are as advertised. If there are no lab tests present, look elsewhere.
4. CBD can help you relax and be a better parent.
Stress as a parent is nothing new, but sometimes it can be drastically overwhelming. As much as you try to focus on self-care, you might end up taking it out on your kids with impatience and shouting. Incorporating solutions like CBD cream into your routine can also help alleviate tension and soothe physical discomfort, providing you with a sense of calm.
Let yourself relax with CBD. Many parents are discovering the peaceful serenity of CBD gummies, capsules, oil drops, creams, and more. It interacts with your body’s hormone regulatory structure, the endocannabinoid system. With an increased number of cannabinoids in your body, it can regulate these hormones that might otherwise cause you to lash out or face burnout.
5. There’s minimal research on CBD.
It’s important to know what you’re getting into, and although there’s no sign that CBD is bad for you, there’s not much clinical proof that it does all the things people claim it does. However, there has been promising research in rodents and a few human clinical trials to show its effects in specific areas.
Most notably, there’s a large community that has shared resounding stories of CBD’s effectiveness. They claim that it can help with anxiety, sleeplessness, stress, depression, pain, skin conditions, and so much more.
Thankfully, the U.S. government has taken notice of the many people proclaiming the goodness of CBD, and the FDA has issued $3 million worth of grants to further research on CBD. It’s not much, but it’s a great start to help parents and concerned citizens understand the benefits and effectiveness of CBD.
6. Be cautious when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Although many moms aren’t concerned about trying CBD out on themselves or their children, most are wary of trying it when pregnant or breastfeeding. The risks are unknown regarding CBD use for a growing fetus, and you won’t be able to see any potential damages until it’s too late.
Unless specifically instructed by a doctor, it’s probably best if you stay away from ingesting CBD products while pregnant or breastfeeding. You might try creams applied away from the stomach and groin area if needed for pain or skin conditions, but that’s the extent of what’s believed to be safe.
7. CBD is pricey.
If you get hooked on CBD (metaphorically speaking, since it’s non-addictive), understand what you’re getting into. CBD costs an average of $50 for a 30-day supply of oil. Some are more expensive, and some are less.
Be wary of very affordable CBD products. Chances are, the hemp was grown inorganically and may contain pesticides and other toxins you don’t want to consume. Additionally, it could be mislabeled as a “snake oil” product that contains ingredients other than what’s advertised.
8. Never administer CBD to a child without consulting a doctor.
CBD is sold without a prescription, but that doesn’t mean you should use it without speaking to a doctor, particularly for your child. Dosing is based on weight, and you don’t want to give your child too much; otherwise, they might experience severe side effects like headaches, vomiting, dry mouth, and dizziness.
However, when dosed properly, CBD can be a major asset to children in need of its healing and calming properties. Under the direction of a doctor, you could help your child gain the peace and comfort they need while enjoying the effects yourself.
