CBD is slowly becoming a ubiquitous health supplement. Millions of people consume CBD for its range of benefits including minimizing pain and anxiety.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the numerous phytocannabinoids of the cannabis plant. It’s usually extracted from the hemp plant and has no psychoactive effects.
CBD is versatile. You may ingest it in varied forms including vapes, oils, creams, beverages, tinctures, sprays, gummies, etc. The ingestion method can influence the effects.
Most CBD consumers report that CBD has helped them manage various health issues including chronic pain, anxiety, phobia, and migraines.
If your child has been experiencing various challenges such as low concentration, loss of sleep, and restlessness, you might wonder whether it’s okay to give them CBD.
What Research Says
Research on CBD isn’t extensive. CBD was legalized in 2018 when Congress passed the Farm Bill, and yet researchers haven’t dug that deep into it.
However, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD is efficient in kids. Many kids have overcome some of their health issues following CBD administration.
The government has even approved the manufacture of a CBD-based drug known as Epidiolex. Epidiolex is designed to minimize seizures in epileptic kids.
Although CBD has been deemed efficient in managing various health problems in kids, there’s some uncertainty concerning its safety, and more specifically, side effects.
Following CBD intake, kids might experience side effects such as fatigue and diarrhea. There are also fears that CBD might limit liver function in kids.
Should I Give My Kids CBD?
It’s okay to give your kids CBD. However, there are certain things you have to keep in mind. For instance, sublingually ingested CBD is better than orally ingested CBD.
With sublingual ingestion, the CBD particles bypass the stomach to interact with your kid’s endocannabinoid system, thus achieving positive effects.
However, oral ingestion leads to the metabolism of CBD, and this might contribute to stomach-related side effects or negative impact on the liver.
The dosage might influence side effects. And so, it’s important to ensure you’re giving your kid the correct dosage of CBD. Some of the factors that determine CBD dosage include age, sex, and severity of the health problem.
Many CBD products come with dosage guidelines. But, in the absence of these guidelines, you may use an online dosage calculator or talk to a specialist.
If your kid is on medication, make sure to take them to a physician before you give them any CBD. This helps with preventing drug interactions.
Things to Consider When Buying CBD for Your Kid
CBD is hot in the market. Infused products seem to be all the rage. However, all these brands are on different levels as far as quality. There are certain traits you have to consider when looking for quality CBD products.
1. Organic hemp extracts
Quality CBD products contain organic CBD extracts. Organic CBD extracts are acquired from naturally farmed industrial hemp. No fertilizer or chemicals were used. Ideally, quality CBD companies get their industrial hemp from US farmers instead of importing synthetic hemp.
2. Quality extraction method
The extraction method influences the quality of the product. Poor extraction methods leave behind some impurities, usually residual solvents, and this minimizes product quality, and sometimes poses a health risk. The supercritical C02 extraction method is the best as it preserves purity and potency.
3. Lab testing
Quality CBD products are usually tested by an independent lab. The lab tests verify that the CBD product is safe, and contains the ingredients as labeled. These lab tests certify that the product is free of harmful things like heavy metals, herbicides, and fungicides.
4. Organic ingredients
You want to make sure that the CBD product not only contains organic CBD but also organic everything else; the flavorings and other ingredients that improve the taste and form of the product need to be natural.
