Rarely do questions of medical efficacy show up on the radar of public awareness. In most cases, the majority of us are quite happy to put trust in the hands of the experts. But every now and then, a trend is bucked, and a new phenomenon emerges. One such buck has been the use of cannabis, and its many mediums, as legitimate medical treatment. In recent years CBD has become a hotly debated topic – the cannabis industry is gaining traction across the world, grabbing headlines and sparking public discussion. There isn’t a single self-respecting trendy café in London that doesn’t offer a CBD shot in your beverage of choice. Even Holland & Barrett, Boots and other high street chains are flexing their CBD muscles.
The history of cannabis as a recreational drug has left it with a stigma that lingers to this day, even as it becomes legal and increasingly recognized for its medicinal benefits around the globe. As a result the idea of using it as a treatment for children has been met with scepticism. But is this scepticism outdated stereotyping or is there a valid reason to hesitate?
Cannabis has been in use for centuries – in some civilisations, for millennia. But the history of its refined by-product CBD is far shorter. First isolated by Roger Adams in the 1940s, research into cannabidiol has been mounting, slowly but significantly. Recent liberalisation of attitudes towards cannabis, from individuals and governments alike, belie the exponential increase in research in recent years. Many businesses see obtaining a licence to sell CBD and CBD products as laying the groundwork for the eventual legalisation of cannabis products more generally.
Why do some parents give children CBD?
Online forums abound with thousands of parents propounding the administration of CBD for their children, the effectiveness of which is particularly pronounced in those with autism. Those with children suffering from ADHD also report CBD to be effective at containing episodes and improving focus. The April 2020 issue of Remedy review, a cannabis-focused magazine, published the results of a survey of more than 500 parents, 40% of whom had used CBD to treat behaviours associated with autism.
CBD is unique in its ability to reduce the instance of seizures related to a wide variety of conditions. As well as autism, it is popularly used to treat seizures related to epilepsy, in sufferers of which it reduces both the frequency and intensity of seizures. There are currently dozens of studies and trials in progress, geared towards pinpointing exactly how, and to what degree, CBD can treat seizures.
CBD for children – what do studies say?
CBD is now legal in most countries around the world, being taken and prescribed for such things as anxiety, sleeplessness and chronic pain. Despite all this however, research into CBD is still relatively sparse. To date Epidiolex, the only prescription drug actually derived from cannabis, is only used to treat two very rare forms of epilepsy in children. There are currently no legal restrictions in place limiting the use of CBD strictly to adults in the UK. although several cannabis trade bodies do advise against parents providing it to their children or encourage parents to consult a doctor before administering CBD.
Research is being done to investigate the efficacy of CBD for treating other varieties of epilepsy. Results indicate that it has a significant effect on reducing the number of seizures even for cases of epilepsy outside of the two described above. Along with being a treatment for epilepsy, commercial CBD has seen use for numerous children’s ailments, and varying degrees of research have been undertaken into several potential uses. For example, studies have shown persuasive results indicating that CBD can have a positive outcome when treating symptoms of autism. A 2018 Israeli study looking into oral cannabidiol use in children with autism spectrum disorder as a treatment for related symptoms and comorbidities found that in a group of 53 children, hyperactivity symptoms improved in 68.4% of the study group and sleep problems improved in 71.4%.
This article is brought to you in conjunction with CBD Guru, a retailer and manufacturer of some of the best CBD products available on the market. CBD Guru is currently offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer on all CBD oils. To learn more visithttps://www.cbd-guru.co.uk/
CBD and anxiety in children
There are widespread reports of CBD being treated to alleviate childhood anxiety, with the majority of parents surveyed reporting largely positive effects on their children’s mental wellbeing. However, much of the evidence is anecdotal rather than scientifically proven. Although valid, parents’ perceptions are not proof enough for the efficacy of CBD as a treatment for various issues, we still need to examine effects through the study of measured changes compared with placebo groups before making any definitive declarations.
Some studies do indicate that CBD oil may help reduce anxiety, although this claim hasn’t been tested sufficiently in children. There has been a recent hopeful and positive pilot study by Orygen, Australia’s centre of excellence in youth mental health. The Cannabidiol Youth Anxiety Pilot Study ascertained that young people with treatment-resistant anxiety had an average 42.6% reduction in anxiety severity and impairment following 12 weeks’ treatment with cannabidiol. The 31 participants were aged between 12–25. Orygen’s Professor Paul Amminger, who led the study, remarked on the profound impact the trial had on some of the participants: “The young people had fewer panic attacks and could do things which they were previously unable to do like leave the house, go to school, participate in social situations, eat at restaurants, take public transport or attend appointments by themselves.”
Another reason some parents are looking at CBD for their children is due to the public interest and anecdotal reports on the effects of CBD as a treatment for some of the more negative symptoms of ADHD. A 2022 case study of three males with ADHD (ages 18, 22, and 23) who integrated cannabis into their treatment regimen – interviews with the patients detailed subjective improvements in symptoms and on quality of life. Still, clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of cannabis in the treatment of ADHD and since CBD hasn’t been studied specifically to treat ADHD in children, it’s best to talk to your child’s paediatrician before giving your child CBD to treat ADHD symptoms.
Is it safe to give CBD to children?
Bodies as prolific as the World Health Organisation have concluded that CBD has a good safety profile, stating that, in its pure state, cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm. Due to its chemical make-up, CBD does not cause the “high” associated with cannabis, and thus far no addictive quality has been identified and connected to its use. Though predictably, there will always be concerns around the introduction of children to what has, for almost 80 years, been considered an illicit substance. The considerable anecdotal evidence from parents, and the wealth of research available on the effect positive effects CBD has on adults in no way guarantees suitability for children. But it certainly lays optimistic ground for further research. As with any and all medications, regardless of provenance, one must be wary of the temptation to see it as a “cure-all”.
In that light it must be recognized that for all its potential uses, CBD is still in the relatively early stages of its life as a medicine. It has been seeing more and more use, but the rate of medical research cannot, by its nature, keep up. Therefore there are still numerous unknowns when it comes to its applications. This lack of knowledge is the greatest downside to using CBD, especially on the developing mind of a child. Like any medicine, CBD may also interact with other medications the child is taking. There are also side effects from the use of CBD to be aware of. Effects can range from things as mundane as dry mouth and lethargy to less likely but far more serious impacts when taken incorrectly such as low blood pressure and liver injury.
There are numerous factors at play when it comes to the notion of giving CBD to children. As things currently stand, doing so appears to be broadly safe, but there are a number of uncertainties, with the final outcome likely to vary from child to child. Research is still very much underway and while it is unlikely that anything will be discovered that would get CBD declared unsafe for children in its entirety, there are questions of dosage, biology and side effects which are still in the process of being answered. Those answers will shape the landscape for CBD use in the years to come. This has not stopped parents from administering CBD however, and given that the WHO has declared CBD as safe and well tolerated in humans, it ultimately should not if administered after research and professional advice.
Parents are free to use it as they see fit, however, there are ways to maximise the effectiveness of CBD while minimising any danger to the child. Before anything else, it must be reiterated that a parent should consult their child’s doctor before administering CBD and if a doctor signs off, any advice they give should be strictly followed. Continued watchfulness to ensure that any symptoms can be addressed at the earliest possibility is also important to maintain. But beyond that, there are things a parent can do of their own initiative as well. First of these would be to start small, giving children minimal dosages of CBD to test reactions, slowly increasing the dosage to the advised and optimal amount. Parents must also be mindful of which product and brand they choose. Different brands and sources can create similar products at different strengths, so careful inspection of any product is required. This inspection is also necessary to ensure that the product was not made in such a way that it contains contaminants such as pesticides or soil-borne toxins. Buying CBD products, particularly oil, sourced from organically grown hemp is the best way to avoid these sorts of tainted products.
A vital factor to be aware of is whether or not the product contains THC. While CBD does not cause any sort of high, THC does, so it is important for parents to check and make sure the product they buy does not contain it. CBD is legal in the UK as long as it contains less than 1mg of THC per container, meaning it’s highly unlikely a consumer sold product would have a higher amount, but it’s still important to be mindful when purchasing CBD and go for an established and reputable brand. Documented testing has shown that what it says on the bottle is not always true as there may be no quality assurance testing. A 2022 review conducted by Leafreport, an online resource dedicated to CBD, found that out of the 188 cannabidiol (CBD) brands they tested, 20% of brands carried out no purity testing on their products at all. With this in mind, when acquiring CBD, make sure you choose a transparent brand that publishes third-party laboratory tests to see the exact CBD and THC content in the oil.
It’s essential to educate yourself on CBD before administering it to someone else in order to tailor the method of use to one’s specific need. CBD comes in three forms: CBD isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD includes many of the cannabinoids and compounds of the cannabis plant, including a small amount of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the same compounds as full-spectrum CBD, minus THC. CBD isolates contain CBD only — none of the other cannabinoids and compounds from the plant are included. Most parents turn to a CBD isolate for their children as it’s the purest form of CBD and a way to avoid any THC or other cannabinoids of the plant. If you are nervous about giving any small trace of THC to your children, always select isolate CBD.
Is it legal to give CBD to children?
Currently, there are no legal regulations restricting CBD use to adults, meaning the decision of whether children should take CBD is ultimately down to parents. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) has stated that they cannot legally provide CBD for children and ultimately don’t recommend parents to do so due to the lack of information on the side-effect profile of cannabinoid oils, especially in young children. The American based Child Mind Institute, an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders, has voiced a similar viewpoint, declaring that there’s “very little research about its safety or how well it works, especially for children.”
Ultimately, when it comes to giving CBD to children, there are not yet any concrete answers or solid, unanimous advice from medical professionals. Simply, not enough controlled research has yet been conducted on CBD and kids. For parents who think that CBD could be beneficial to their child, there is surprisingly little guidance and information. The decision appears to remain a judgment call. Although it is agreed that CBD is generally very safe, it is unlikely to work in a similar way for everyone. One child may see benefits whilst another may experience some side effects – it is up to a parent to weigh up the potential benefits against any worries they may have and assess any results.
This article is brought to you in conjunction with CBD Guru, a retailer and manufacturer of some of the best CBD products available on the market. CBD Guru is currently offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer on all CBD oils. To learn more visithttps://www.cbd-guru.co.uk/
Phoebe Ford
Phoebe works in documentary films as an assistant producer. Her work involves in-depth research and treatment writing. She is passionate about using her skills to research the benefits of CBD.
FAQs
Can you give CBD to children in the UK?- leafie? ›
Currently, there are no legal regulations restricting CBD use to adults, meaning the decision of whether children should take CBD is ultimately down to parents.
Is CBD legal in UK for children? ›CBD is legal for minors in the UK. However, trades bodies advise against selling to under 18s. Yes, children can take CBD but it is best not to give it to toddlers unless prescribed. To date, few studies have been carried out on the safety of giving CBD to children.
Is CBD age restricted UK? ›Furthermore, while there are no laws banning them from buying or using CBD products in the UK, people under 18 should seek additional advice from their doctor before attempting to purchase any CBD products.
Can I give CBD to my kid? ›The FDA has only approved one purified form of the drug substance CBD for children to treat rare seizures that don't respond to medication. Studies have also looked at CBD use in children with hyperactivity, anxiety, sleep problems and depression but research remains limited.
Can I bring CBD into the UK from USA? ›Is It Legal To Take CBD Oil Onto A Plane In The Uk? Yes, it is completely legal to fly to and from the UK with a CBD product in your luggage, as long as it meets all the specific rules and criteria set out by UK law - specifically that it doesn't contain more than 1mg of THC and is labelled as a food supplement.
Can you bring CBD gummies into the UK? ›If purchased legally in another country, you can bring CBD oil back into the UK, as long as it adheres to customs regulations and laws.
Can I give CBD oil to my 7 year old? ›Is CBD Safe for Children? There is no evidence that the CBD products on the market are safe or effective for children. The FDA has only approved one CBD product, a prescription drug called Epidiolex that treats seizures associated with certain types of epilepsy in patients older than 1.
How much CBD is safe for children? ›| Weight | Starting Dose Range | High Dose Range |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Lbs | 2.5 MG-5 MG | 15 MG |
| 75 Lbs | 5 MG-7.5 MG | 20 MG |
| 100 Lbs | 5 MG-10 MG | 30 MG |
| 125+ Lbs | 5 MG-10 MG | 30 MG-40 MG |
CBD is legal in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. As THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. CBD is legal in the UK as long as it has been derived from an industrial hemp strain that is approved by the UK.
What ages can take CBD? ›...
Other states that require you to be older than 18 to purchase CBD are:
- Massachusetts.
- Michigan.
- Minnesota.
- Mississippi.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
- New Mexico.
What are the requirements for CBD in the UK? ›
CBD is completely legal to purchase and use in the UK as long as it contains under 0.2% THC and was produced by approved industrial hemp per the Misuse of Drugs Act. This means that marijuana derivatives, which typically contain more THC than CBD oil, are not legal to purchase, use or possess.
Does Delta 8 help with ADHD? ›Helps with Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD
Furthermore, it has been noted that Delta 8 may be a good remedy in the treatment and prevention of ADHD. The binding of the endocannabinoid system boosts certain CB1 receptors in the brain that help with psychoactive illnesses like ADHD.
As long as your CBD edible of choice contains no more than 1 mg THC per finished product and meets Novel Food regulations, it is legal in the UK.
Can CBD go through airport security? ›According to the TSA, you can carry CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, and they must be hemp-derived. You can put them either in your carry-on bag or checked bags.
Can you put CBD gummies in your luggage? ›When it comes to traveling with CBD oils or CBD gummies, the TSA does allow both in checked bags and carry-ons, as long as the CBD is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC, as is true of all our products.
Can CBD go through customs? ›The TSA's official site says CBD oils "remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA." So according to the TSA, you may travel with CBD if its THC content is under that 0.3% threshold.
Can you take CBD products on a plane to UK? ›Yes, you should be able to bring CBD oil on board domestic flights within the UK, and on international flights to the UK. We still recommend contacting your flight provider and customs in advance though. CBD is legal to buy in the UK, especially given that it's now being stocked in national supermarkets.
Can you fly to London with CBD gummies? ›Yes, you can take CBD oil in both the hand luggage and in the hold luggage for your flight. If you are taking CBD oil in your hand luggage, then you must adhere to customs legislations of containing liquids in a container smaller than 100 ml.
Can kids take CBD for anxiety? ›CBD-infused gummies are the best and safest way to give kids CBD. They are not only fun and delicious, but could help with kid-related issues such as anxiety, hyperactivity, sleep problems, and depression. Unlike CBD oils or CBD topicals, CBD gummies are portable and discreet.
Can my 11 year old take CBD? ›Is CBD Safe for Children? There is no evidence that the CBD products on the market are safe or effective for children. The FDA has only approved one CBD product, a prescription drug called Epidiolex that treats seizures associated with certain types of epilepsy in patients older than 1.
How much CBD for children with ADHD? ›
Most suggestions for ADD or ADHD note to start with 15 mg per day of CBD oil. If relief is not felt at this dosage, then increasing by 5-10 mg until the desired effects are achieved may work.
Does CBD actually do anything UK? ›The first study assessed anxiety links with public speaking; it found a very specific dose of CBD (300mg) showed anti-anxiety effects. The second study was a stand-alone case report of one child with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It found CBD oil helped the child safely reduce her anxiety and improve sleep.
How many mg of CBD is legal in the UK? ›CBD is legal in the UK provided controlled cannabinoids such as THC are limited to no more than 1 mg per container.
Is CBD popular in the UK? ›In 2022, the UK stands as the second largest consumer cannabinoid market in the world, behind the US. In supplement terms, the British public spends more on CBD than Vitamin B and C combined.
Is CBD oil OK for a 13 year old? ›Lucido cautions against giving children CBD oil without the recommendation from a doctor. But, he says, if it's legally purchased from a dispensary with a doctor's recommendation, CBD oil can be highly effective in treating seizures, autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety in children.
Is it safe for a 14 year old to take CBD? ›A full spectrum CBD product includes phytonutrient compounds like terpenes and other cannabinoids from the leaves and flowers, which produce something called the entourage effect, which boosts the efficacy of CBD. All forms of CBD are safe for teen usage, even full spectrum.
Is Delta 8 CBD? ›Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant. As a result, concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
Can children take CBD for ADHD? ›The advice for use in children is steer clear—and carefully put away any products such as gummies that might appeal to children. CBD is not cleared for use in children with one exception—a prescription drug called Epidiolex used for seizures that occur in children who have certain types of epilepsy.
Do people with ADHD prefer Indica or Sativa? ›Generally speaking, indica is best used for treating physical ailments such as bodily pain and inflammation, while sativas are best for mental conditions such as depression and ADHD.
What cannabinoid is best for ADHD? ›Because of the cerebral and increased focus effects attributed to sativas, some people report that cannabis sativa products help ease symptoms of ADHD.
Can gummies go through airport security? ›
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
Are edibles detected by airport security? ›Although they can detect food items, airport scanners cannot tell if they are edible. Whether the airport security staff considers the edibles to be suspicious varies. The edibles' packaging and odor could be giveaways. The edibles will appear in the scanner with the same orange color as every other organic material.
Can you fly internationally with gummy edibles? ›If you try to travel internationally with your gummies, they will be confiscated by customs, and you may face legal trouble. However, if you're traveling within the United States of America (and some other countries), it's fine to bring edibles with you on a plane or in your backpack or purse.
How do you take Delta 8 on a plane? ›Can you fly with a delta 8 tincture? Passengers can fly with legal, hemp-derived delta 8 tinctures in a carry-on or checked bag depending on the size of the container. TSA requires that any carry-on liquid item holds 3.4 ounces or less. Any container exceeding that amount must be stored in a checked bag.
How do you pack CBD on a plane? ›Within the U.S., you can fly with CBD products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. However, TSA rules very much apply, in that any liquids (oils, tinctures, creams) must be less than 3 ounces. You can bring a CBD vape pen through airport security in your carry-on, but not in your checked baggage.
Can I take CBD oil on a plane Europe? ›As long as the oil contains no more than 0.2% THC, it is legal to fly throughout Europe. If you are unsure what the percentage is, most CBD products display their cannabinoid concentration on the label.
How do you take CBD oil for anxiety UK? ›People can use oral CBD products to relieve anxiety throughout the day. It may help to take these products in the morning with some food. Smoking or vaping CBD oil can provide immediate relaxation that may help people during especially stressful events, such as giving a speech.
Can you travel to Europe with CBD gummies? ›On top of this, the European Union classifies hemp as having a THC threshold of 0.1%, so your American full spectrum CBD oil may be illegal even in the European countries that have legalized it because of its THC content. It's best that you don't travel with any CBD to Europe.
Are CBD gummies legal in Europe? ›CBD can be consumed everywhere in the European Union member states, with a few exceptions. But while products containing 0.2% THC or less are legal in most European countries, products containing any THC trace are banned from commercialization in countries such as France, Sweden, Norway, and the UK.
Can I carry CBD in a checked bag? ›What Does TSA Say About CBD Gummies? Within the United States, you can fly with CBD products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) technically explains that you can bring CBD gummies on an airplane in both your carry-on bag and your checked luggage.
Can you bring CBD cookies on a plane UK? ›
Can You Take CBD Oil on a Plane in the UK? Yes. You can legally fly from and to the UK with CBD oil or CBD-infused products such as CBD gummies in your luggage, as long as the product contains the legal concentration of THC (in the UK, this is 0.2% or less). The item should also be sold as a food supplement.
Can I take CBD gummies on an international flight? ›The short answer is yes. Generally speaking, you can fly with CBD gummies as long as they contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Can you bring edibles on a plane to UK? ›Simply wrap them in a baggie and place them in your checked luggage. The gummies I've seen can't be determined to be called cannabis unless tasted-and swallowed. So long as they look innocent and aren't marked cannabis they will just look like your treats. Maybe throw a bag of regular gummies in too.
Is CBD safe for 14 year olds? ›A full spectrum CBD product includes phytonutrient compounds like terpenes and other cannabinoids from the leaves and flowers, which produce something called the entourage effect, which boosts the efficacy of CBD. All forms of CBD are safe for teen usage, even full spectrum.
Can a 16 year old use CBD oil UK? ›To date Epidiolex, the only prescription drug actually derived from cannabis, is only used to treat two very rare forms of epilepsy in children. There are currently no legal restrictions in place limiting the use of CBD strictly to adults in the UK.
How old do you have to be to smoke CBD UK? ›For some CBD products, particularly the vaping products, most companies will have an age limit on the packaging. Usually, 18 years in the UK and most smoke shops won't sell to anyone under 18 years.
What are the legal requirements for CBD in the UK? ›CBD oil must not contain any trace of THC to be legally sold in the UK. It's the THC that's present in the cannabis plant, that CBD is extracted from, that gets you high. Although taken from the same plant, CBD oil should have a minimal, if any, amount of THC in it in order to be legal.
Do they make CBD gummies for kids? ›Pure Balance CBD Gummies are great for kids with anxiety, poor sleep cycles, or low immunity. They also offer quick pain relief. The CBD in these gummies is sourced from the organic hemp plant; each gummy contains 25 mg of CBD.
What age can you start CBD? ›You may be able to buy CBD at age 18 with proper identification. Most online stores will require you to verify your age, too. And if you're buying CBD products from a dispensary, you'll likely have to be 21.
Is CBD oil good for ADHD in children? ›There haven't been any studies on the use of CBD oil in children; neither have there been studies on long-term effects. So while some people are using it and have shared their results publicly, researchers and medical professionals have not found evidence that it is an effective treatment for ADHD.
Is CBD chocolate legal in UK? ›
CBD edibles that are THC-free are legal in the UK, while full-spectrum and cannabis edibles (excluding medicinal cannabis) are not. To buy uncontaminated and THC-free products, purchase your edibles from reputed brands.
Is CBD herb legal in UK? ›CBD is completely legal to purchase and use in the UK as long as it contains under 0.2% THC and was produced by approved industrial hemp per the Misuse of Drugs Act. This means that marijuana derivatives, which typically contain more THC than CBD oil, are not legal to purchase, use or possess.
Is Delta 8 legal in UK? ›Although widely available in other parts of the world, sales of delta-8 is not legal in the UK. This cannabinoid may appear in trace amounts in many CBD oil products, but it is not available in high concentrations, or as a standalone products, therefore you cannot buy delta 8 in the UK.
What is the highest legal CBD in the UK? ›- CBDiablo Deity - 2000mg per 10ml. When looking at how strong a CBD oil product is, there are a number of factors to consider. ...
- Honey Heaven 5000mg CBD oil. ...
- Nordic Oil CBD paste - 2500mg per 5ml. ...
- CBD paste by Provacan - 2500mg per 5ml.
Cannabis is a Class B controlled drug under Part II, Schedule 2, of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (MDA 1971). It is also listed in Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (MDR 2001) and designated under the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (England, Wales and Scotland) Order 2015 (2015 Order).