Is CBD Safe for Teens?
Many of us adults have found a lot of success incorporating hemp products into our daily wellness routines. We know that CBD offers a wide array of unique properties to the body, and the nature of the endocannabinoid system makes CBD something that we feel comfortable about taking daily. Is CBD is safe for teens as well? |
Many of us have teenage children that are struggling with some sort of issue, and as parents, we desperately want to provide them with relief. So, it’s natural that many parents are interested in giving hemp to their teenage kids but may be hesitant because they don’t know if it’s appropriate for their younger bodies.
In Short, Yes
One thing that’s unique about CBD is the way in which it is processed and utilized by the body. CBD is considered non toxic to all mammals, and the endocannabinoid system is the reason why this is the case. The endocannabinoid system is a complex bodily system that binds cannabinoids like CBD with cannabinoid receptors that are found literally everywhere within the body. Each cannabinoid receptor is in charge of regulating an adjacent bodily process, and feeding the body cannabinoids gives these receptors the fuel that they need to accomplish this efficiently and effectively.
The endocannabinoid system is a very intelligent system that simply stores excess cannabinoids away for later use. This is why you don’t hear about people overdosing on CBD. Rather than the CBD causing toxicity when consumed in high doses, it’s simply stored away until it’s needed at a later time.
Now, bear in mind that while CBD is considered non toxic, everyone’s body is unique, and a person can have an intolerance, allergy or severe reaction to pretty much anything that exists in the natural world. So, technically, we can never say that CBD is 100 percent safe for teenagers, or anyone for that matter. But, neither can we say that chocolate, or coffee, or any other widely popular product is.
Is it Legal for a Teenager to Use CBD?
Here’s where things get a little confusing, so bear with us. CBD is legal in all 50 states, because commercial CBD products come from the hemp plant rather than the marijuana plant. The marijuana plant contains a high amount of THC, which is responsible for its psychoactive properties. The hemp plant, which also belongs to the cannabis genus, contains only a trace amount of THC, hence it won’t make a person high, even in high doses. However, marijuana remains federally illegal, and hemp was lumped into the same category up until a few years ago.
Because of this recent change in legal status, there’s still some murkiness regarding the legality of giving CBD to minors. While adults 18 and above will not get into any kind of legal trouble for purchasing or using CBD, there are companies that will not sell CBD to people below the age of 18. But, technically, there is no law that states that you can’t give CBD to your child who happens to be a minor. In fact, many adults give their children CBD.
Another interesting fact is that the FDA has approved a CBD-based drug specifically for children. Epidiolex is a medication for pediatric epilepsy, and its active ingredient is CBD. Therefore, it’s clear that there is a growing body of evidence that CBD has the potential to be useful to minors as well as adults.
Reasons Why Teenagers May Want to Take CBD
Here’s where most people are wondering about the ways in which CBD may be useful to a teenager. Let’s break down the most common ones.
Reason #1: Dealing with Stress
CBD is very frequently used for its calming properties. It seems to support the endocannabinoid system’s ability to regulate the production of cortisol, which is the hormone that is secreted in moments of stress. Teenagers are prone to serious stress due to a combination of hormonal changes, pressure at school and social pressure.
Reason #2: Having a Hard Time Sleeping
CBD’s potential calming properties also make it a popular sleep aid. If your child struggles with sleep, CBD may be worth considering.
Reason #3: Experiencing Some Kind of Pain
Many people use CBD in hopes of experiencing relief from pain. CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties within its chemical structure.
Reason #4: They Have a Digestive Ailment
Studies suggest that CBD has the potential to reduce inflammation along the digestive tract.
#5: They Suffer from Seizures
Like we said, there is a CBD-based drug for children who suffer from epilepsy, and its approval was the result of several studies suggesting that CBD is linked to a reduction in seizures.
Giving CBD to Teenagers: What to Know
Now, we can talk about the best way to start a teenager on a CBD routine.
Tip #1: Speak to Your Child’s Doctor
It’s always important to speak with your child’s doctor before starting them on any new regimen, including CBD. Tell the doctor of any medications your child is on, how much you intend to give them daily and the specific reason why you wish to give them CBD.
Tip #2: High-Quality CBD is Crucial
CBD products vary a lot in quality, because the market is extremely popular right now, and very competitive. Look for a company that makes third-party lab reports available, as these lab reports clue you into the overall quality of the product.
Tip #3: Start with a Low Dosage Level
It’s wise for a teenager to start with a low dosage of CBD. Typically, the suggested dosage that’s on the product’s label, taken once daily, is ideal in the beginning. If the dosage needs to be adjusted, you can do so after two weeks of monitoring.
Tip #4: Start with a Low Milligram Strength
Similarly, it’s good to start with a low milligram strength, which refers to the potency level. You can always increase the milligram strength later on if need be.
Tip #5: Pay Attention to Any Effects
During the first few weeks, pay attention to any effects of the CBD.
Currently, There’s No Reason to Believe that CBD is Unsafe for Teens
Just remember that teenagers under the age of 18 are not legally permitted to purchase CBD. Before you start your child on a hemp routine, it’s important to speak with their doctor, especially if you’re giving them CBD for a specific issue.