CBD derivatives had been used for years as medicine – pain medication (fentanyl, morphine, Dilaudid, oxycodone, Tylenol-3) and appetite stimulant (Marinol). I’ve worked in an acute care hospital setting for 20+ years, so I understand the side effects and dangers of these medications.

The use of CBD (cannabidiol) for children with ADHD is a topic of ongoing research and debate. While some parents and caregivers advocate for its use based on anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies, it’s essential to approach this topic with caution and consider the potential benefits and risks.

Many parents are experimenting with CBD products on their children with ADHD, for which there are no reported controlled trials with kids. Currently, there isn’t enough evidence to confirm whether CBD oil is an effective treatment for ADHD. There’s little research on CBD oil’s benefits or risks for children with ADHD. 

Here are some potential benefits of CBD for kids with ADHD, based on available research and anecdotal reports:

• Calming Effects: CBD is believed to have calming effects on the nervous system. Some parents report that CBD helps reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with ADHD, leading to improved focus and attention.

• Anxiety Reduction: Many children with ADHD also experience anxiety, which can exacerbate their symptoms. CBD has been studied for its potential anti-anxiety properties, which may help children with ADHD manage their anxiety levels.

• Improved Sleep: Sleep disturbances are common in children with ADHD. CBD may help promote better sleep quality by addressing underlying factors such as anxiety or hyperactivity.

• Non-Psychoactive: CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in cannabis. This aspect makes CBD potentially suitable for children, as it doesn’t impair cognitive function or cause euphoria.

However, it’s essential to approach the use of CBD for children with ADHD with caution and weighs the risk and benefits. Here are the reasons why parents should not experiment with CBD in their children with ADHD:

1. Regulatory Concerns: The regulatory landscape surrounding CBD products can be complex and varies by jurisdiction. Quality control and labeling of CBD products may be inconsistent, raising concerns about product safety and purity. 

Anyone can easily buy CBD in most parts of the United States. You can purchase CBD over-the-counter or online without a medical cannabis license. However, it is illegal for anyone younger than 21 to consume THC for medical purposes, though this varies from state to state. Exceptions are made with a physician’s or authorized health professional’s recommendation and parental approval for children younger than 21.

THC remains a Schedule I drug under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Only hemp-derived CBD produced under the regulations of the 2018 Farm Bill is legal.

The government’s position on CBD is confusing because CBD derived from hemp is legal. Still, it’s illegal if it’s derived from marijuana (illegal).

All 50 states of the United States have their own laws about CBD products with different degrees of restriction. But the federal government still considers CBD in the same class as marijuana (the illegal one). It doesn’t habitually enforce against it.

2. Questionable Quality: Pure CBD oil is almost impossible because the extraction process is complicated and expensive. As a dietary supplement, CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, which means there’s no guarantee of dietary supplements’ safety and purity. 

You cannot know for sure that the product you buy has the actual active ingredients at the dose listed on the label. And they can also be tainted with dangerous additives.

Therefore, CBD products may contain other (unknown) elements. Most products on the market are contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes in the plants.

There are many CBD products, which claim to be “THC-free” or contain <0.3% of THC by volume (the legal limit), but the labels aren’t always right. CBD products sold online and at many retail stores aren’t subject to rigorous testing, and some have questionable quality. As a dietary supplement,

A 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association that evaluated CBD products bought online found that 26 percent of them contained less CBD than what was listed on the label.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy evaluated the CBD and THC content of 12 CBD products purchased online. Six claimed to have 0% THC, and six claimed to have <0.3% of THC.

The study concluded that 92% of test products were mislabeled. The majority of the CBD oils were close to what the label stated. However, several developments have significantly lower levels of CBD than states on the label.

All of the “THC-free” products had trace amounts of THC. Urine drug screens can detect THC metabolite levels as low as 5ng/ml. Therefore, it is possible that these CBD oils could result in positive drug screens within 72 hours of consumption.

3. Lack of Safety Studies on Children: While there is some preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggesting potential benefits, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to understand the long-term effects, optimal dosages, and safety profile of CBD in children with ADHD. CBD hasn’t been tested extensively for safety or effectiveness. And even less controlled research has been done with CBD on kids.

The extent to which the effects of CBD oil differ between adults and children remains largely under-researched. Because the nature of CBD absorption varies significantly from patient to patient, and research into pediatric use of CBD is still limited, the apparent differences in response between adult and child patients are also tricky to pin down.

Many parents might consider CBD a safer alternative. It is typically perceived as a gentle drug with fewer side effects because it’s “natural, plant-based”, and, therefore, “safer”.Being “natural” or “plant-based” does not make anything safer. As my pharmacist intern always says, “Cyanide is natural. Will you take it?” Many of these herbal supplements have actual medicinal properties, which means they can be as dangerous as any prescription drug.

4. Potential Side Effects: While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some children may experience side effects such as fatigue, changes in appetite, or digestive issues. Additionally, CBD can interact with certain medications, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before giving CBD to a child, especially if they’re taking other medications. 

CBD also interacts with about 25% of prescription drugs on the market by blocking the enzyme system cytochrome P450, which metabolizes a variety of medications in the liver. CBD can also cause liver damage, decrease appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, sleep problems, and malaise. 

CBD might also affect the developing brains of children. No one knows the long-term effects of giving CBD to kids. Children are still growing, and researchers will have to wait until they are older to assess long-term outcomes.

5. CBD is an immunosuppressant. It may reduce the immune system. With COVID still going on, the immune system is one thing you don’t want to be weak.

Children with ADHD can vary widely in their symptoms, underlying neurobiology, and response to treatments. What works well for one child may not be effective or safe for another. More research is needed to fully understand its efficacy, safety, and long-term effects in this population. 

Some parents consider CBD as a safer alternative to traditional medications for ADHD, such as stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, which can have significant side effects and risks of dependency.

In my opinion, with the little research, safety record, and lack of regulation of CBD for children with ADHD, I would not experiment with CBD in my own child. If you’re here because you’re concerned about the side effects of ADHD medication, CBD should be treated the same as ADHD medications – the last resort after everything else has failed.

However, suppose you’re still considering CBD for your child with ADHD after reading this post. In that case, I strongly urge you to work with your child’s pediatrician so that he or she can monitor for possible side effects and help you avoid medication interactions.

Remember, there are many other natural, safer options to get the same benefits without the risks. You’re here reading this, I know you know what I mean. And I’m here to hlep you make the best informed decision for your child and your family.

There are many safer alternative strategies and treatments that may help calm children with ADHD. It’s essential to remember that the effectiveness of these approaches can vary from person to person, so it may require some experimentation to find what works best. Here are some alternatives:

• Dietary Changes: Some research suggests that dietary changes, such as reducing sugar and processed foods while increasing intake of whole foods rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, may help improve ADHD symptoms and reduce anxiety.
• Supplements: Certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and L-theanine, have been studied for their potential benefits in reducing anxiety symptoms in individuals with ADHD.
• Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy has shown promise as a complementary approach for managing symptoms of ADHD, offering potential benefits such as improved focus and impulse control through targeted relaxation and suggestion techniques.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices and meditation techniques can help individuals with ADHD develop greater self-awareness and reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can be an effective way to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being in individuals with ADHD. Activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, or martial arts can help release pent-up energy and promote relaxation.
• Environmental Modifications: Creating a calm and structured environment can help reduce anxiety in individuals with ADHD. Strategies such as establishing routines, minimizing distractions, and creating dedicated spaces for work or relaxation can be helpful.
• Relaxation Techniques: Teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery can help individuals with ADHD manage anxiety symptoms effectively.
• Support Groups: Joining a support group for individuals with ADHD or anxiety can provide valuable peer support, validation, and coping strategies.

It’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. Combination approaches that incorporate multiple strategies, such as therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, if necessary, medication, may yield the best results in managing anxiety in individuals with ADHD.

Ok, there you have it…

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.