In the last few years, people have started shifting from traditional medicines to natural alternatives like CBD ( Cannabidiol ) for managing their day-to-day wellness. Quickly, it has become the most sought-after product category in the health and wellness space. People use it to relax, sleep, and recover better.
A few drops of CBD oil every day are clinically proven to ease anxiety, pain, and overall stress levels in the body. Lately, some parents have started showing interest in using CBD as a viable solution to treat symptoms of ADHD and ODD in their kids.
The medical community is concerned that there’s not enough data to deem CBD safe for ADHD & ODD treatment. Let’s explore this topic in detail, but before we start, check out these THC-Free CBD for kids. They are completely nonintoxicating and well-tested by independent laboratories.
What is CBD?
CBD is a naturally therapeutic compound that is present in hemp and marijuana plants. There are over 110+ compounds known to date, and together, they are known as cannabinoids.
But you’ll see that CBD gets the most hype because it’s been tested for a long time now, and there’s enough data to prove its effectiveness. It comes in the form of gummies, oils, tinctures, capsules, softgels, chocolates, and even various beverages.
In America, CBD products can not have more than 0.3% THC in them and must be made from industrial hemp plants only. This is because THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid and can mess up with congenital functions.
For some people, even 0.3% THC is not acceptable, so they usually opt for THC-free CBD made with broad spectrum formulation. Some brands have started offering these for kids as well to help them with disrupted cycles, lack of concentration, and hyperactivity.
What is ADHD? Can CBD Help?
ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ) is a neurological disorder in which there’s an imbalance of certain chemicals in brain structure. Experts don’t know the exact cause behind it, but it’s assumed that mostly genetics and environment are at play.
As a result, kids suffer from a lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Usually, to treat this, both stimulant ( Methylphenidate, Amphetamines ) and non-stimulant ( Atomoxetine, Guanfacine) options are used.
Both these medication types are properly peer-reviewed and well-tested, but there can be some side effects like mood swings, disrupted sleep cycles, and weight loss.
But can CBD help kids with ADHD? Well, there hasn’t been any concrete research yet. In a 2020 review w in the Journal of Cannabis Research found no robust evidence supporting CBD for ADHD.
A 2017 study in European Neuropsychopharmacology tested Sativex (THC+CBD) in adults with ADHD, showing mild improvement, but then no one will agree to give anything related to THC to kids.
There’s a risk of developmental issues; hence, no pediatrician will be comfortable with it. Are there any ongoing trials involving CBD for the treatment of ADHD In Kids? Yes, one has been taking place in Australia since 2022, but the results haven’t come out yet.
So, the core issue remains the same, as there’s no direct study that links CBD to the improvement of ADHD symptoms in kids.
What is ODD? Can CBD Help kids suffering from it?
ODD stands for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. It’s a psychiatric condition, and kids suffering from it are always in a sort of rebellious mood. They have anger issues, difficulty in taking commands, extreme irritability, a vindictive sense, and a tendency to ignore and refuse what’s asked of them. This makes life difficult for not only the kids suffering from it but also the people around them.
These kids find it difficult to study or adapt well to their peer group. They cause a nuisance for everyone around them. This is more of a behavioral condition, so doctors don’t recommend any medicines as such for treating it.
When it comes to using CBD for ODD, there are no direct studies. There’s not even any ongoing trial that is looking for ODD treatment in kids using CBD. So, the core issue here also remains the same, and no qualified medical professional will suggest CBD for ODD disorders.
Are there any concerns about Using CBD for these conditions?
Yes, other than the lack of proper studies, experts are concerned about certain side effects. In trials of Epidolex (FDA Approved CBD medicine for Seizures in Kids), it was observed that kids faced quite some discomfort in the trial process.
The most common troublesome side effects included diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, liver issues, fever, appetite loss, skin rash, mild ear and UTI infection, fatigue, and general weakness.
Another major concern is the poor quality of available CBD products in the market. The lack of regulations allows some brands to skimp on quality filtration techniques. This then translates to wrong cannabinoid levels, THC traces in zero THC products, abnormal levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and the presence of many other adulterants.
Non-medicinal remedies to help kids with ADHD and ODD?
There’s a lot that parents can do at home to help their kids live a better life despite the challenges posed by disorders like ADHD and ODD.
This includes rewarding good behavior, creating a calm atmosphere at home, improving kids’ nutrition, teaching mindful activities like meditation and breathing exercises, enrolling them in sports or fitness classes to burn excessive energy, and setting a clear sleeping schedule.
Parents should also get in touch with family therapy sessions to understand and accommodate the kid’s challenging behavior without causing any chaos. Schools can also play a major role by assigning extra hours to suffering kids and encouraging them to participate in team-building activities.
Bringing It All Together
To sum it up, CBD may not be the ideal solution to treat kids with neurological or behavioral issues like ADHD and ODD. There isn’t enough research yet that deems CBD for kids in treating such conditions.
Plus, there’s a risk of buying poorly made and subpar products due to the lack of regulations in the industry. Some parents have found success, but the cases are very limited. Doctors will definitely not recommend it, but if you still want to give it a shot, then it’s better to stick with well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.
