It’s clear that there are many potential benefits of CBD for adults—but is it possible that CBD is safe or helpful for children, too? While you should be sure to always consult your child’s pediatrician before giving them any CBD products, some evidence suggests that CBD could be safe and beneficial to children’s everyday wellness. Here’s everything you should know.
First Off—What Is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid in hemp that won’t cause you or your child to feel high. It comes in many different formats, from CBD oil tinctures to CBD gummies, and has become popular thanks to a vast range of potentially therapeutic effects—some of which may or may not benefit children.
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).¹ The ECS is a system full of receptors that sends messages back and forth that help with keeping your body operating in its most optimal, balanced state. It’s responsible for modulating some background processes such as mood, sleep-wake cycles, appetite, inflammation responses, and immune system function.
CBD has the ability to interact with many of the receptors throughout the ECS, and may help it maintain equilibrium in many different areas of our body and central nervous system.
Is CBD Safe For Kids?
In 2021 CBD was deemed by the World Health Organization to be “generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile.”² The WHO states that any adverse effects from CBD could be the result of interactions between existing medications and CBD, and described that their report found no evidence of potential for abuse or dependence.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that CBD is a supplement, not a medication, and it isn’t a treatment for any condition without explicit approval from your child’s doctor or pediatrician.
In the report discussing the effectiveness of CBD, the WHO cites several clinical trials that have showed CBD may be effective managing epilepsy and other medical conditions that might affect children. One example is Epidiolex—an FDA-approved prescription form of CBD with few, if any, side effects—which can reduce seizures in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
But the key thing to remember is that research on CBD is ongoing. There is no definitive evidence that CBD is safe or effective for kids to use long term, especially as it pertains to a child’s development. It hasn’t been tested extensively for safety or effectiveness, and while there’s adequate research supporting its potential health benefits, there’s still a lot that’s unknown. Ultimately, evidence suggests that it’s safe—but there’s no way to know for sure. Some parents will be comfortable giving their children CBD, while others won’t.
But if you’re a parent interested in giving your child CBD, never do so without speaking to your child’s pediatrician and carefully researching products to ensure they don’t contain THC. THC, the other primary cannabinoid found in hemp, is often found in trace amounts alongside many over-the-counter CBD products. Evidence shows that exposure to THC in youths and adolescents can cause issues with memory, learning, and problem-solving. It may also reduce their reaction times. It’s vital that you stick to CBD products that don’t contain other cannabinoids like THC.
Potential Benefits of CBD For Children
CBD may be helpful for some of the side effects associated with several conditions in children, although the only condition it’s actually been approved for by the FDA is rare forms of epilepsy. That said, CBD shouldn’t be used to treat any medical conditions without approval from your child’s pediatrician. Always consult with your child’s doctor if you suspect they’re facing any of the following conditions, since traditional therapies and medications are more effective than CBD, which should only be used as a supplement.
Below we’ve outlined some side effects of a few physical and mental conditions in kids where CBD may help balance or support their overall wellness.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is by far the most researched condition CBD seems to help with. The FDA approved Epidiolex to treat two rare, severe forms of epilepsy in kids two years of age and older.³ More specifically, Epidiolex is usually prescribed by pediatricians for children experiencing seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, as it helps reduce the frequency and intensity of the seizures.
There’s a handful of other studies out there supporting the potential benefits of CBD edibles on various forms of epilepsy, though most of the studies are limited to adults and animal models.⁴ The evidence suggests that CBD reduces seizures by interacting with two groups of receptors, called GPR55 and TRPV1 receptors, to reduce the excitability of the neurons.⁵ Anything that’s interrupting regular connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause seizures to happen; CBD’s interactions with the ECS may help regulate these connections.
If your child is experiencing seizures or symptoms of epilepsy, always talk to their doctor before considering CBD. Epilepsy and seizures are serious medical conditions and should only be managed by a healthcare professional. CBD should not be used to self-medicate any health condition.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
A handful of studies have analyzed the potential benefits of CBD in children with autism—with research indicating it may improve some of the negative symptoms related to the condition.⁶
The most prominent study looked at 188 autistic children (between the ages of 5 and 18).⁷ The participants were given 30% CBD with 1.5% THC—with most participants seeing improvement in seizures, restlessness, and rage attacks after one month. For most, symptoms became more infrequent over the span of six months.
However, it’s important to note that there was no control group in the study, so there’s no way to determine whether or not CBD edibles were responsible for reducing symptoms. Other studies are currently exploring the potential benefits of CBD for autism in children, but more research is needed to establish the connection with certainty.
If you think your child might have autism, work with mental health professionals who specialize in ASD. Traditional therapies, behavioral support, and specialized education programs are proven to help children on the spectrum better navigate the world. Autism isn’t something to “treat” or “fix”—it’s a unique way of thinking, and understanding your child’s needs will go much further than using CBD or THC to “mellow them out.”
Anxiety
There have been quite a few studies exploring CBD’s effect on anxiety disorders. The general belief is that CBD interacts with the ECS in such a way that might help it modulate moods and help stressful situations feel less anxiety-inducing. However, practically all studies that explored the relationship between CBD and anxiety involved adults or animals.⁸
While research suggests CBD may help reduce anxiety within adults, the relationship has yet to sufficiently be explored in regards to children.
However, there’s one study based on a 10-year-old patient that discovered that CBD may have improved her feelings of anxiety and sleeplessness caused by PTSD.⁹ Other preclinical studies suggest CBD could be helpful in managing social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder.
If your child has symptoms of anxiety, consult a pediatrician or a child psychologist before considering CBD. Anxiety management in children is best achieved with established therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, social support, and, when necessary, traditional medications. There is no solid evidence that CBD treats anxiety in children, and expert guidance can ensure your child gets safe, reliable help.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—best known as ADHD—is a condition that, among other things, affects a child’s ability to focus. While there is practically no research on the relationship between ADHD and CBD, there is a bit of anecdotal evidence suggesting that adults who took CBD felt less-intense symptoms associated with ADHD. However, there currently is not enough scientific evidence to confirm whether or not CBD definitively helps kids with ADHD.
One preliminary study on autism suggested that CBD may help reduce hyperactivity, which can potentially play a role in ADHD.¹⁰ More research found that CBD might have helped healthcare workers with physical and emotional burnout—the same exhaustion associated with ADHD.¹¹ The study focused on healthcare workers who didn’t have ADHD, but the results could lead to further studies in the future exploring the burnout associated with ADHD.
If you’re a parent wondering how to combat ADHD in children, keep in mind that ADHD is best managed with behavioral therapies, support in school settings, and—when prescribed by a doctor—medications that have been tested and regulated. Relying on CBD for ADHD management is not recommended, as its effects on attention and hyperactivity are still largely unknown and unproven— both in adults and children. Traditional ADHD therapies have a track record of safety and efficacy.
CBD For Kids: Are There Risks?
While CBD is considered to be generally safe for adults, the biggest issues with an over-the-counter CBD product boil down to actual CBD content, possible interactions with other medications, and whether the product also contains any THC.
Many CBD products on the market are labeled as full-spectrum, meaning they contain THC—an intoxicating cannabinoid that may harm a developing brain. However, the research on the impact of small amounts of THC in children is still ongoing. Some studies suggest that significant THC exposure during childhood and adolescence could potentially contribute to some long-term side effects.
But ultimately, the jury is still out. Emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggests that when used in small, controlled amounts as part of a full-spectrum product, THC may offer therapeutic benefits, particularly when paired with CBD.
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD, it could be difficult for parents to trust any products at face value. Many CBD products on the market lack proper lab testing, meaning their potency may be far higher or lower than the label states. Studies have shown that some CBD products are inconsistent, with some containing THC, heavy metals, or even contaminants like pesticides. With no FDA oversight, companies in the wellness industry can make unverified claims that wouldn’t pass in the healthcare industry.
This lack of regulation has led to an influx of “bad actors” in the CBD market, selling products that are not what they claim to be. For parents, this means being vigilant about only purchasing CBD from companies that provide third-party lab results (Certificates of Analysis) confirming their products' exact contents and potency. For parents seeking the Best CBD for their children’s wellness, look for high-quality CBD products, and understand that while THC-free options may feel safer, full-spectrum products may sometimes be beneficial when used thoughtfully and with medical guidance.
Before getting started, always talk to your child’s pediatrician to explore options that may be beneficial for their unique cases. It may be safest to opt for CBD isolate and THC-free options like what we offer at Lazarus Naturals, but with permission from your child’s doctor, full-spectrum products may be alright too. Always consult your child’s doctor or pediatrician to help determine whether or not CBD is appropriate in the first place. CBD may come with side effects (restlessness or issues related to sleep) and, in some cases, it may interfere with some of the enzymes needed to break down other medications. So if your child has any medications with grapefruit warnings on them, you’ll want to avoid CBD altogether.¹³
Lazarus Naturals CBD
At the end of the day, CBD products and consumption methods such as microdosing CBD oil may be safe for kids, but you should always talk to your child’s doctor beforehand to rule out medicine interactions and other unwanted side effects.
CBD products like Lazarus Naturals’ THC-free options may support children’s wellness, but only under medical supervision and with explicit permission from your child’s doctor.