When our kids are going through something, watching them struggle is never easy, and we often turn into pro-active parents by doing everything we can to get them to a peaceful state of mind. While some struggles are easy to solve, others are less so. Anxiety is one issue that is hard to solve for anybody. Insomnia is another one, as is OCD and epilepsy.
Even if we are given the tools to free them from their struggle, we are often faced with the consequences of such devices, such as medication, which usually comes with a substantial list of side effects. So when a natural compound known as CBD hit the market, with minimal side effects and a list of benefits, more parents wanted to know about it.
What is CBD exactly? What does it do, and most importantly, is it safe for kids? This article will answer your most pressing questions.
What is CBD?
Cannabinol (CBD) is a natural compound derived from the same plant species as marijuana. CBD’s chemical structure is almost precisely like that of marijuana, yet there is one significant difference between them. While marijuana has a high THC level, often up to 30 percent, CBD contains less than 0.3 percent of it. The low THC level in CBD means that this natural compound will not make the user high, nor is there a risk of overdose.
The lack of THC in CBD has made it a popular option among users who would have never considered taking weed before, and the market has been responding to the rise in demand. Nowadays, CBD comes in many forms. You can take CBD capsules to help you sleep, there are CBD oil tinctures, gummies, other edibles, balms, and more.
Consumers are using Sunday Scaries CBD gummies for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Some are using it to lose weight, prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s, slow down the growth of malicious cancer cells, and for so many other reasons.
How can CBD help children?
Studies on CBD are limited because most experiments have been conducted on animals. However, researchers are encouraged by the positive results regarding this natural compound from the preliminary data gathered. Indeed, the FDA has already approved the first-ever CBD-based drug to treat children as young as two years old with a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet’s Syndrome.
This is an unprecedented move, and it could pave the way for more use of CBD by medical experts to treat various illnesses. Besides epilepsy, researchers have also observed CBD’s work on our serotonin levels and on the amino acid known as GABA to treat anxiety. By signaling the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) receptors, CBD can potentially encourage the body to release more serotonin in the body. This happy chemical infuses us with feelings of well-being.
CBD can potentially boost the GABA levels, too, thus helping the user feel more relaxed. This is essential data. If researchers continue to uncover positive results, it could place CBD at the forefront for people and children suffering from anxiety. Unlike traditional antidepressants, it causes no harmful side effects.
This natural compound has proven to be a powerhouse when it comes to pain management as well. Researchers have observed how rats suffering from pain caused by multiple sclerosis and arthritis feel better through CBD, reducing inflammation in their joints. For children suffering from chronic pain caused by various illnesses, CBD could help them feel better without damaging their organs.
In easing pain and anxiety, CBD can help children suffering from sleep disorders as well.
Researchers have observed CBD’s potential in cutting down on time it takes users to fall asleep. It can also ease chemotherapy’s side effects when your child is going through cancer treatment by relieving nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects during this challenging treatment.
How safe is CBD for children?
Although early studies show encouraging results, CBD’s limited data makes it difficult for a medical professional to prescribe CBD to patients, especially children. A significant issue is that researchers have yet to uncover the long-term effects of CBD on children. Will they become dependent on CBD to fall asleep? How will it affect their long-term issues with anxiety? These are questions that have yet to be answered to determine how safe CBD is for kids.
Moreover, to date, there are no regulations or standards on how CBD products are manufactured. So while there are professional brands out there that deliver high-quality products, others are selling CBD products to make a quick financial turnaround.
As a result, some CBD products may have misinformation printed on the back. Some may have more THC content than what is on the label, and if given to a child, could cause severe side-effects.
How to safely give CBD to your child
If you feel strongly about giving CBD to your child, then the safest way to do so is to ask your doctor for professional guidance. Your doctor will help you determine whether CBD can interfere with other medications your child may be taking. A medical professional will also guide you on the safest brands, the right dose, and monitor your child to ensure she remains safe.