Is CBD a Safe Option for Teenagers?

Understanding CBD for Teens

As the health and wellness sector continues to see a surge in CBD products, it becomes increasingly important to understand their effects, particularly on teens. The main question to address is, "is CBD safe for teens?"

CBD vs. THC

To answer this question, it's first necessary to differentiate between CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Both are compounds found in cannabis plants, but they have different effects on the body. THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana that causes the "high" feeling. On the other hand, CBD does not have this psychoactive property and is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits. According to Kids Mental Health, it's safe for teens to consume CBD when medically necessary.

In contrast, heavy marijuana use, which contains higher levels of THC, has been linked to disadvantages in neurocognitive performance, brain development, and alterations in brain functioning among teens. This stark difference between CBD and THC is crucial in evaluating the safety and potential risks of CBD use among teenagers.

Safety of CBD for Teens

CBD is considered generally safe, but it may cause adverse reactions in some people, such as diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, and fatigue. Other side effects, including abnormal liver function test results, drowsiness, sedation, and pneumonia, have been reported in childhood epilepsy research.

Despite these potential side effects, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, for the treatment of several seizure disorders and seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

While there's no evidence showing advanced health-related problems from using high-quality CBD products (Kids Mental Health), it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper dosing and to evaluate the risk of side effects.

As with any substance, CBD use among teenagers should be approached with caution, and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Understanding the differences between CBD and THC, the potential benefits, and risks of CBD use, and the importance of quality control and proper dosing are all critical factors when considering the safety of CBD for teens.

Exploring CBD Research

As the popularity of CBD grows, it is crucial to understand the research findings surrounding CBD, particularly its FDA approval, potential benefits, and potential risks.

FDA Approval of CBD

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, for the treatment of several seizure disorders and seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). This is the only FDA-approved drug derived from a pure form of CBD oil, and it has shown effectiveness in reducing seizures in severe types of epilepsy.

However, the lack of well-designed, randomized controlled trials to determine the safety and efficacy of CBD for other conditions like mood disorders, inflammatory conditions, or pain is a significant concern. The FDA has yet to approve CBD for these uses, and there is no data on its long-term effects.

Research on CBD Benefits

CBD has been suggested to aid various health issues in preliminary research. Some studies propose that CBD may help with substance misuse disorders, sleep, and certain types of cancers. However, these potential benefits need further investigation involving human subjects to confirm these effects.

Despite the promising findings, it's critical to remember that research in this area is still evolving. It is also important to discuss with healthcare professionals before beginning or changing any therapeutic regimen involving CBD.

Potential Risks of CBD

While CBD is generally considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some people. Side effects can include diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, and fatigue. Other side effects, including abnormal liver function test results, drowsiness, sedation, and pneumonia, have been reported in childhood epilepsy research. Therefore, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper dosing and to evaluate the risk of side effects.

Additionally, a significant concern for the safety of CBD is the lack of well-controlled trials and understanding of its long-term effects. Many commercial products contain dangerous chemicals or synthetic cannabidiol oil. In Utah, there were 52 cases of severe adverse effects from ingesting a CBD product between 2017 and 2018, with no traces of CBD found in blood samples, only fake CBD oil.

In conclusion, while CBD may offer certain benefits, the potential risks must be considered, especially when it comes to teens' safety. The lack of extensive research and potential for harm underline the importance of caution and consultation with healthcare professionals when considering CBD use.

Factors Influencing CBD Use

When considering if CBD is safe for teens, a few factors come into play, including the quality of the CBD products, their possible interaction with other medications, and the legal status of CBD.

Quality of CBD Products

The marketplace is rife with CBD products of varying quality, underscoring the importance of choosing products that have undergone third-party testing for quality and purity. Brands like NuLeaf Naturals and Bluebird Botanicals are examples of companies selling CBD products that are third-party tested and provide batch reports on their websites. This helps in ensuring the product's purity and lack of harmful substances, which is particularly important when considering CBD for adolescents.

Interaction with Medications

CBD may interact with certain medications that teenagers may be taking, particularly those metabolized by the liver. This could potentially alter the effectiveness of the medication or cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, it's crucial for teenagers and their parents to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing CBD into their routine if they are taking any medications.

Legal Status of CBD

The legal status of CBD for teenagers can vary depending on the jurisdiction. While CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in the United States, individual states may have their own regulations. Parents, teenagers, and caregivers should be aware of the specific laws regarding CBD in their location.

Furthermore, most states in the U.S. require individuals to be a specific age to purchase CBD products. Age restrictions vary by state, with some states setting the minimum age at 18 years old and others at 21 years old. The federal government does not place age restrictions on purchasing CBD products in the United States. Some states have no age restrictions on CBD purchases at all.

These factors significantly influence the use of CBD among teenagers and play a crucial role in determining whether CBD is a safe option for them. It's vital for parents and teenagers to be well informed and consult with healthcare professionals before deciding to use CBD.

CBD Usage Among Adolescents

In order to fully understand the question "is CBD safe for teens?", it's crucial to look into the trends of CBD usage among adolescents, the associated risks and side effects, and the concerns that arise specifically for this age group.

Trends in CBD Use

Cannabis use among adolescents has increased in the United States, with an estimated 45% of adolescents having a lifetime history of cannabis use by age 18. Alongside this, there has been a decline in perceived risk and an increase in the use of THC extract products among youth in the United States. These trends indicate a rising curiosity and inclination towards cannabis and related products, including CBD, among teenagers.

Risks and Side Effects

Despite the growing popularity of CBD, it's important to note that there are potential risks and side effects associated with its use. The primary psychiatric symptoms associated with cannabis use in youth include an increased risk for addiction, depressive symptoms, and psychotic symptoms. Adolescent cannabis exposure can also result in impaired cognition, sleep, and driving ability.

Further, interaction between cannabidiol and other medications can lead to adverse reactions. CBD can hinder the activity of liver enzymes, affecting the metabolism of various pharmaceuticals including steroids, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, immune modulators, benzodiazepines, antibiotics, and antidepressants.

Concerns for Adolescents

The lack of well-controlled trials and understanding of the long-term effects of CBD is a significant concern for its safety. Many commercial products contain dangerous chemicals or synthetic cannabidiol oil. In Utah, for instance, there were 52 cases of serious adverse effects from ingesting a CBD product from 2017 to 2018, with no traces of CBD found in blood samples, only fake CBD oil [4].

Additionally, the World Health Organization declared cannabidiol as non-addictive but does not recommend consumption due to lack of regulation in CBD production. Producers are largely unregulated, leading to uncertainties about product contents and concentrations.

Given these concerns, it's advised that parents engage in conversations with their children about CBD use, understand their reasons for using it, and ensure they make healthy decisions regarding its consumption.

Parental Guidance on CBD

As CBD becomes increasingly popular, many parents may find themselves navigating uncharted territory when it comes to their children's use of this substance. This section will provide some guidance on how to approach conversations about CBD use, making informed decisions, and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals.

Conversations About CBD Use

Open and honest dialogue is key when discussing the use of CBD with teenagers. Parents should take this opportunity to educate their children about CBD, its potential benefits, and risks.

It's also important to discuss the legal implications of CBD use. The legal status of CBD for teenagers can vary depending on the jurisdiction. While CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in the United States, individual states may have their own regulations. Parents should be aware of the specific laws regarding CBD in their location [5].

Making Informed Decisions

When it comes to CBD use, knowledge is power. Parents should educate themselves and their children about the potential effects of CBD, both positive and negative. It's also essential to be aware of the varying legal age requirements for purchasing CBD products.

Data source: Leafwell

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Before introducing CBD into a teenager's routine, especially if they are taking other medications, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. CBD may interact with certain medications that are metabolized by the liver, leading to adverse reactions. The interaction between cannabidiol and other medications can hinder the activity of liver enzymes, affecting the metabolism of various pharmaceuticals including steroids, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, immune modulators, benzodiazepines, antibiotics, and antidepressants [4].

In conclusion, the question, "is CBD safe for teens" is complex and requires careful consideration. Parents play a vital role in guiding their children's understanding and use of CBD, and should always consult with healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of their teenagers.

Looking Ahead: CBD and Adolescents

As the use of CBD among teenagers continues to rise, the question of its long-term safety and effects remains a topic of concern. In-depth research and understanding are critical to making informed decisions about CBD use in this age group.

Long-Term Effects of CBD

The long-term effects of CBD, particularly in adolescents, are still unclear. Chronic cannabis use has been associated with harmful effects on the pulmonary and respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and the central nervous system, especially when used during adolescence. However, the long-term effects of CBD exposure, specifically, are not well understood. There is a need for more research to understand the potential addictive effects of CBD and the impact of CBD exposure during adolescence on neuropsychiatric disorders.

Research Gaps and Recommendations

Despite the growing popularity of CBD, there is a significant lack of well-controlled trials and understanding of its long-term effects. This lack of information is a concern for its safety, especially among teenagers. The only FDA-approved drug derived from a pure form of CBD oil is Epidiolex, which has been effective in reducing seizures in severe types of epilepsy. However, there are no well-designed, randomized controlled trials to determine the safety and efficacy of CBD for conditions like mood disorders, inflammatory conditions, or pain. It's of utmost importance to fill these research gaps for a more comprehensive understanding of CBD's effects, especially for adolescent users.

Promoting Healthy Choices

Given the uncertainties surrounding CBD's long-term safety and its potential side effects, it's vital for healthcare providers, parents, and educators to communicate the potential risks associated with CBD use. Side effects of CBD can include sedation, fatigue, insomnia, GI disturbances, and liver toxicity. It's crucial to promote healthy choices and discuss these concerns with teens and their parents to ensure the well-being of children. Similarly, parents need to make informed decisions and consult healthcare professionals before allowing their children to use CBD products. As the debate around 'is cbd safe for teens' continues, it's imperative to prioritize the health and safety of adolescents.

References

[1]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930618/

‍[2]: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits

‍[3]: https://www.stlouischildrens.org/health-resources/pulse/cbd-pediatric-care-first-do-no-harm-primary-consideration

‍[4]: https://drugfree.org/article/is-cbd-safe-for-teens/

‍[5]: https://www.townsendla.com/blog/cbd-safe-for-teens

‍[6]: https://feals.com/blogs/discover/do-you-have-to-be-18-to-buy-cbd-products-fls

‍[7]: https://leafwell.com/blog/do-you-have-to-be-18-to-buy-cbd/

‍[8]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7380653/

‍[9]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10048857/#B83-biomolecules-11-00711

‍[10]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10048857/#B115-biomolecules-11-00711