3 in 4 parents open to CBD for their children in certain settings, poll finds

21 Feb 2022 --- When other medications fail, three out of four parents believe CBD may be a suitable alternative for their children, according to a US analysis from CS Mott Children’s Hospital.

However, the majority (75%) also believe a doctor’s prescription should be required. Also, one-third of parents view CBD product use as the same as using marijuana, despite the widespread availability of CBD.

“Our poll suggests most parents have minimal knowledge about CBD products,” says Sarah Clark, co-director of CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll.

“It is important for parents to inform their pediatrician or other healthcare providers if they’re considering CBD use in kids so that they can discuss potential risks.”

“There is very little data on how CBD may impact children’s developing brains and only certain types of situations when it’s considered for pediatric medical reasons. Still, CBD has become much more accessible and widely advertised, with some companies claiming benefits for kids,” Clark continues.

According to the researchers, certain CBD products have been advertised to minors, although CBD use in children is minimal.

FDA regulations, side effects and mislabeling
CBD must have less than 3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for the majority of marijuana’s psychological and “high” effects, to be lawful. Many producers claim to contain less than 0% THC, but experts believe the lack of regulation of CBD products raises concerns about quality control in the manufacturing process.73% of parents say CBD for children would be a good option if other medications do not work (Credit: University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital).

Only one refined form of the medicinal ingredient, CBD, has been licensed by the FDA for children to treat uncommon seizures that do not respond to treatment. CBD has also been studied in children with hyperactivity, anxiety, sleep disorders and depression, although there is still a lack of evidence.

“Anecdotal stories of children benefiting from CBD may sound alluring, but just because it’s a plant product doesn’t necessarily make it safe or effective in children. We need more evidence to understand CBD’s short- and long-term side effects in kids,” adds Clark.

CBD products are available in various forms, including oils, topical ointments, vaping, edibles and gummies.

“Parents who see promotional content claiming CBD benefits kids with certain conditions should be aware that products seen online or in stores are not regulated by the FDA and may be mislabeled,” she continues.

“This makes it difficult for parents to know exactly what they’re buying and what their child may be exposed to.”

Analyzing parental responses
The poll report is based on responses from 1,992 parents of children aged three to eighteen years. According to the report, parents considered CBD use for their children for reasons such as the alleviation of anxiety (51%), sleep issues (40%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD (33%), muscle pain (20%) and autism (19%).Side effects of CBD include drowsiness, tiredness and diarrhea, and experts are concerned about its capacity to harm the liver.

Some CBD products claim to aid these conditions (anxiety, ADHD and muscle pain) in their brochures and marketing materials. Based on poll responses, three-quarters of parents believe CBD for children should be available solely with a doctor’s prescription.

However, 63% consider their child’s doctor’s suggestion to be a key influence in determining whether to give their child CBD.

The majority of parents mentioned side effects as an essential consideration when selecting whether or not to give their child CBD. Other factors included whether CBD was studied for child safety (78%), how well it worked in children (72%), a recommendation from their child’s doctor (63%), FDA approval (58%) and product evaluations (41%).

According to the research, most parents (71%) have never used a CBD product, whereas 24% have tried CBD and 5% use a CBD product regularly.

By Nicole Kerr