Children and CBD
The number of reasons a child may become unfocused is countless, from illnesses like ADHD & ADD, to peer pressure, the everyday pressures of life: did I make the team, or how did I do on that test, to just plain ole curiosity are all causes of lack of attention and focus for a child. Have you ever thought about CBD as a possible solution to keep your child more focused?
As a retired middle school teacher I can’t tell you how many times in my teaching career I had students who suffered from ADHD or ADD be on medications that made them like zombies and completely dysfunctional in the classroom. They would fall asleep, be in a daze, completely unfocused and off task, and once their bodies got adjusted to the medication a month or two later, their doctor would change the dosage or the medication altogether and the whole process would start over again. CBD works with one’s endocannabinoid system to help maintain a calm balance within one’s self. It will make you relaxed, less anxious, and prevent those little things in life to not frustrate or distract you while allowing one to be fully functional and keep focus.
I know you probably have a million questions so let’s get into them!
Is CBD Safe For My Child?
In short, yes CBD is safe for your child of 2 years of age or higher. CBD stands for cannabinoid and is an all-natural, non-addictive, non-psychoactive, non-toxic compound found in the hemp plant. CBD works with the endocannabinoid system to maintain balance within the body. The Endocannabinoid system manages the other systems in your body like the immune, respiratory, and nervous systems. In June 2018 the FDA approved the drug Epidiolex to treat seizures caused by Dravet Syndrome and LGS. It is the first and only drug approved by the FDA to contain the active ingredient CBD for those 2 years of age or higher. There are is also CBD that helps with anxiety and depression which are good alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines.
Does CBD Make You High?
No, CBD cannot make you high. CBD is the non-psychoactive compound from the Hemp plant, THC is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana which makes you high and is illegal. Not all CBD products are THC free, some contain small trace amounts of THC (>0.3%) which is considered legal because it is such a low amount and will not make you high. However, it would show up on a drug test. If drug testing is an issue, make sure to buy a CBD product that is THC Free or 0.0% THC.
Can My Child Pass a Drug Test if Taking CBD?
This depends on what type of drug test they are taking and if they are using a THC Free (0.0% THC) CBD product. Most drug tests are testing for the illegal compound THC, and if using a THC Free or 0.0% THC product you would pass the drug test. You can find 0.0% THC products in CBD gummies, tinctures, oils, and lotions, but you must check the product for THC percentage because not all products are made the same. However some drug tests test for any cannabinoid, and CBD is a cannabinoid and therefore would show up on this type of test. It is important to know what type of test you are taking and always communicate with your doctor, school system, or HR department that you are taking CBD. Most tests show the level of each compound they are testing for and they can look at your CBD to THC ratio to tell if you are using CBD or not.
My Child Doesn’t Have ADHD or ADD, So How Can CBD Oil Help?
I have had several parents who have told me their child gets so nervous prior to competition like Cheerleading tryouts, Dance, or Athletics and this would cause them to lose focus while competing. One father said his son had a hard time playing basketball in the games for fear everyone in the stands was looking at him. The father bought some CBD gummies for his son to try and came back to inform me his son has had his two best games of the season due to the fact he was no longer worried about people in the stands watching, and he only focused on what he had to do in the game. Another parent was worried about his 3-year old’s behavior at daycare because he was going a mile a minute, not listening to or responding to instruction, and hitting other kids. After using CBD the father came back in and told me this week was the first week his son got to take a toy from the treasure chest each day for good behavior. CBD in these cases provided the parents with an alternative, natural, option other than pharmaceuticals for their child.
