What Are the Benefits of CBD for Kids?
So many people today look to CBD for a natural alternative for managing certain conditions like stress and occasional sleep issues. Naturally, we’ve started to think about how CBD can benefit children as well. Some of the overall benefits of CBD include the following:
- Analgesic properties potentially offer relief for acute and chronic pain
- An anticonvulsant, CBD has been used in conjunction with conventional methods for treatment-resistant epilepsy. Results have been mixed, but several studies have shown significant positive results.
- CBD can potentially improve anxiety symptoms
- According to some studies, CBD can improve sleep
In the case of consumption for children, some parents are turning to CBD to assist with conditions like hyperactivity and anxiety and sleep disorders. They are also sometimes used to manage symptoms of autism and ADHD.
While studies have shown promising results for the use of CBD for seizures and it has been approved for this use by the FDA, more research needs to be done to determine its efficacy for other conditions. Research is even more limited when it comes to CBD use for children. But preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence have shown some interesting and positive trends.
Are CBD Gummies Safe?
When discussing CBD for kids, the first question is: is it safe? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. The World Health Organization studied the effects of CBD and reports that it is “generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile”. You should, of course, always discuss using CBD for your child with their pediatrician before embarking on any regiment.
Also, recognize that CBD gummies are made with taste in mind. The candy makes the CBD more palatable, but also it can be dangerous to leave them where your child might have access. Make sure that you keep them hidden or placed where they can’t be reached by little hands.
What to Look for When Choosing CBD Products for Kids
Parents looking for CBD products for their children should treat CBD as they would any other kind of food product, supplement, or nutraceutical. Quality and transparency matter. CBD isn’t always very well regulated, and you don’t want to give your child anything that is ineffectual or worse, has a bunch of artificial ingredients or toxins.
And we’re talking about kids here, so you also want to be sure that the gummies you choose have a pleasant taste. They won’t do any good if your kid refuses to take them because they don’t like them.
The Top Three Brands of CBD Gummies on the Market for Kids
Now we’re going to take a look at the very best brands of CBD gummy available for children. We’ve researched reviews, ingredients, and buzz to find the gummies that offer the best quality, taste, and value.
Best Overall Choice
Joy Nutrition gummies offer 10 mg of broad spectrum CBD per gummy, and come in two delicious flavors: strawberry lemonade and green apple. Because of the lower concentration of CBD, dosing for smaller bodies is simpler–there’s no need to cut the gummies into pieces or wonder if they’re getting too much or too little.
Another thing we liked about these gummies is that Joy Nutrition claims that their product has no THC, and they have the third party lab tests to prove it. While CBD has been deemed safe for most children, THC intoxication can be dangerous. These little gummies can be proved to contain just what they advertise, and also don’t contain any fillers or toxins. Oh, and did we mention that they’re organic?
Each $39.95 container holds 30 gummies and, and are available for subscription. For 20% off you can receive a new container every 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 weeks. They also have a generous return policy if your child doesn’t go for the taste. But there seems little risk in that, as this product has 4.9 out of 5 rating with over 200 reviews.
Best Budget Brand
+Plus CBD offers a less expensive choice if you’re working on a budget. They offer 10 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per gummy in a cherry mango flavor. One container costs $44.95, but it contains a 60 count of gummies, double that of the top brand.
These gummies are free from artificial flavors and colors, gluten free, and non-GMO. They are also fairly well reviewed, receiving a 4.5 out of 5 with 63 reviews.
Best CBD Isolate
Hemp BombCBD offers an excellent choice for CBD isolate. This means that there is no trace of THC in the product. They come in two strengths, 15 and 30 mg and there is even a sleep option that contains melatonin.
These gummies are made with CBD extracted from organic hemp, and undergo batch tests from an independent lab. They also offer 4 flavors per jar so a pickier kid has a better choice of finding a flavor they like.
While CBD isolate means that there is no THC present in the product, it also doesn’t offer the desired entourage effect that a broad-spectrum CBD offers.
Starting a CBD Regimen for your Child
If you decide that you want to check out the potential benefits of CBD on your child, gummies really are the best way to start. CBD oils can be a bit difficult to take (even for adults!), due to taste and texture. Gummies allow for a pleasant treat that your child will look forward to.
However, before you get started don’t forget to talk to your pediatrician. There is no standard dose for CBD in kids and depending on your child’s size a larger or smaller dose may be recommended. Your physician may also have dosing recommendations based on the condition that they’re treating (anxiety vs. ADHD, for instance)
In any case, start with the lowest possible dose to test their tolerance to the product. It can always be adjusted to meet their needs. Trial and error may be necessary, and always keep your child’s doctor in the loop.