Most parents in the US are unfamiliar with cannabidiol (CBD) and its products.
A recent poll conducted by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health found that 35% of parents think CBD and marijuana are roughly the same thing.
In terms of familiarity with the cannabinoid and its use, 46% of parents don’t know a lot about CBD use for kids, and another 34% said they had never heard of it before this survey.
Only 3% said they’re very familiar with CBD, and another 17% claimed to know a little. Just 24% of the parents polled said they had tried CBD at some point in the past, and 5% said they use CBD products on a regular basis. Nearly three-quarters of parents said they have never used CBD.
CBD is a compound found in hemp and marijuana plants. It offers a slew of health benefits, but without the mind-altering effects that its counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) induces. CBD derived from hemp has no more than 0.3% THC.
As per the recent poll, most parents are not aware of any difference between the two.
Most CBD products are available off the shelf, as they’re not regulated by the FDA. Just one FDA-approved CBD product designed for use in children exists: Epidiolex, which is used to treat rare forms of epilepsy.
Most parents believe CBD should be regulated by the FDA, though just over half feel that FDA regulation is an important factor in their decision to give CBD to their children.
While CBD is increasingly being studied, there isn’t currently much research on its use on children. That said, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the cannabinoid’s use for kids, particularly when it comes to epilepsy, anxiety, and inflammation.
Parents who are considering giving CBD to their kids should first speak with their pediatricians. However, the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll showed that of the 7% of parents who considered giving or giving CBD to their kids, just about one-third spoke with their child’s doctors about its use.
Although CBD can prove to be helpful in many ways, it may interact with other medications, so it’s important to discuss its use in children beforehand. Further, some side effects may occur, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and decreased appetite.
Parents are encouraged to speak with a medical professional before administering CBD to their children.
Image source: CBD-Infos-com via Pixabay
