Is CBD Safe For Teens

June 11, 2024

Explore if CBD is safe for teens, understand potential risks, and navigate the complex world of CBD regulations.

Understanding CBD Safety

The conversation surrounding the use of CBD (Cannabidiol) products, particularly among teenage consumers, has been increasing. As the CBD industry continues to grow, it is crucial to examine the safety of CBD, especially in relation to adolescent health.

CBD Safety Overview

A common question people ask is 'is cbd safe for teens'? To answer this, it's important to first understand the safety of CBD in general. Studies have shown that CBD is generally well-tolerated by humans, even at high doses. Specifically, a 2011 review found that continuous use of CBD, even in high doses like 1,500 mg a day, is tolerated well by humans [1]. This finding was later confirmed by a 2017 update to the safety review of CBD.

However, it's important to note that while pure, genuine CBD is considered safe, fake and low-quality products can be dangerous. Some products have caused adverse reactions in users (Healthline), emphasizing the importance of sourcing CBD products from reputable and trustworthy suppliers.

Studies on CBD Safety

There is limited scientific evidence on the long-term safety of CBD. However, a review by Health Canada agreed that CBD is safe and tolerable for short-term use (a maximum of 30 days) at doses from 20 milligrams per day (mg/day) to a maximum dose of 200 mg/day through oral administration for healthy adults [2].

Despite this, there are very few known side effects of CBD, which may include diarrhea, appetite changes, and fatigue [1]. More studies are needed to fully understand the potential long-term effects of CBD use.

Overall, the general consensus among health professionals is that CBD, when used correctly and sourced from reliable suppliers, is safe for use. However, considering the unique physiological and psychological changes that occur during adolescence, further research is needed to conclusively determine the safety and efficacy of CBD for teenage consumers.

CBD and Adolescent Health

Exploring the relationship between CBD and adolescent health requires an understanding of the broader context of cannabis use among this demographic, as well as the potential impacts of such use.

Cannabis Use Among Adolescents

Cannabis use among adolescents has risen in recent years. As per a study, nearly 45% of teenagers are estimated to have experimented with cannabis at least once by the age of 18. The prevalence of cannabis use is significant, with over 10% of 8th graders and over 35% of 12th graders reporting cannabis use in the past year.

Despite an increase in the availability and potency of cannabis products, there has been a decline in the perceived risk and a rise in the usage of THC extract products among teenagers in the United States.

Impact of Cannabis on Youth

The impact of cannabis on the health of young people is multifaceted. The primary psychiatric symptoms linked with cannabis use in youth include an increased risk of addiction, depressive symptoms, and psychotic symptoms. Additionally, cannabis exposure during adolescence can result in impaired cognition, sleep, and driving ability [3].

In terms of physical health, cannabis smoking has been associated with respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sputum production in both adults and adolescents. Furthermore, cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases and disorders like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and possibly lung cancer in adults, although studies in adolescents are limited.

Moreover, chronic cannabis use has been linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) in individuals who chronically use cannabis. CHS is characterized by frequent episodes of cyclic vomiting.

In summary, chronic cannabis use can be harmful to the pulmonary and respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system, especially when used during adolescence. It's also important to note that efforts to increase THC levels in cannabis strains have influenced consumption patterns and long-term use outcomes.

Given these potential risks and impacts, it is crucial to approach the question "is CBD safe for teens" with a thorough understanding of the broader context and potential health impacts of cannabis use in this demographic.

Risks and Concerns

While CBD is generally touted for its potential health benefits, it's necessary to address some of the safety concerns and potential side effects, particularly when considering its use among teenagers.

Safety Concerns of CBD

Despite its widespread popularity and use, there exist some concerns about the safety of CBD, especially pertaining to its interactions with other medications and potential for liver damage. A 2019 study conducted on mice raised potential safety concerns about CBD's impact on liver health(Healthline).

Moreover, CBD can inhibit the activity of liver enzymes, which can lead to adverse reactions when taken with certain medications, such as steroids, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-epileptics, and beta blockers [6].

It is also worth noting that the safety of CBD is largely dependent on the quality and purity of the product. While pure, genuine CBD is considered safe, fake and low-quality products can pose serious risks. Some products have caused adverse reactions in users, which can range from mild discomfort to serious health issues, including seizures, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and altered mental status.

Side Effects of CBD

In addition to the safety concerns, there are also some known side effects of CBD. While these are generally mild and not common, they can include diarrhea, changes in appetite, and fatigue.

Potential Side Effects	Severity	Frequency
Diarrhea	Mild to Moderate	Infrequent
Changes in Appetite	Mild	Infrequent
Fatigue	Mild to Moderate	Infrequent

It's essential for consumers, especially teenagers, to be fully aware of these potential risks and side effects before deciding to use CBD. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you're currently taking other medications.

CBD Industry Insights

Understanding the dynamics of the CBD industry is crucial in discussing the safety of CBD for teenage consumers. This includes examining the growth of the industry and the range of CBD products available in the market.

Growth of CBD Industry

The CBD industry has experienced substantial growth in recent years. As per Partnership to End Addiction, the CBD industry is estimated to grow to $2.1 billion in 2020. This growth is partly driven by the increasing interest in CBD's potential medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. For instance, the FDA approved a CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, in June 2018 for treating seizures in rare forms of epilepsy.

However, while the industry continues to expand, it's important to note that there remains a lack of well-controlled trials and understanding of the long-term effects of CBD, especially concerning its use by teens.

Availability of CBD Products

With the growth of the CBD industry, there has been a surge in the types and variety of CBD products available in the market. CBD products include but are not limited to tinctures, edibles, sprays, vaping liquids, capsules, gels, hand lotions, and shampoos.

Moreover, CBD oil products are available in various forms such as liquid, capsules, topical lotions, creams, vaping liquid, and food or drink products [7].

However, with the vast array of CBD products, it's crucial to consider their quality, potency, and purity. Many CBD products are unregulated, and companies manufacturing and selling them may not provide quality assurances. It's therefore recommended to purchase CBD oil produced by CO2 extraction methods and from manufacturers that undergo third-party testing for quality assurance.

The accessibility and diversity of these products make it easier for teenagers to experiment with CBD. However, without proper regulation and quality assurance, the safety of these products remains a concern. As such, it's crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to be informed about the CBD industry and its implications for teen safety.

CBD Regulations and Quality

When exploring the question, "is CBD safe for teens," it's critical to consider the regulatory landscape and quality assurance.

Lack of Regulations

One of the key challenges in assessing the safety of CBD, especially for teenage consumers, is the lack of well-controlled trials and understanding of the long-term effects of CBD. Many CBD products are unregulated, and companies manufacturing and selling them may not provide quality assurances. This regulatory void raises concerns about the purity and consistency of CBD products on the market.

Moreover, CBD can interact with various pharmaceutical drugs by hindering the activity of liver enzymes, potentially causing adverse reactions when taken with medications like steroids, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-epileptics, and beta blockers. However, without proper regulation and standardized labeling, consumers may not be aware of these potential interactions.

Additionally, the use of CBD or cannabis in food-producing animals has not been adequately considered due to potential risks to human health and the lack of guidelines regarding acceptable maximum residue limits (MRLs) for CBD and other phytocannabinoids in animals.

Importance of Quality Assurance

Given the lack of regulation, the importance of quality assurance cannot be understated. While pure, genuine CBD is considered safe, fake and low-quality products can be dangerous. Some products have even caused adverse reactions in users.

Quality assurance is crucial in ensuring that CBD products are free from contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and harmful microbes. It also ensures that the product contains the advertised amount of CBD and other cannabinoids.

To ensure safety and efficacy, consumers should purchase CBD products from reputable sources that provide third-party lab results. These results can verify the product's cannabinoid content and confirm the absence of harmful contaminants.

In conclusion, while CBD is generally considered safe, the lack of regulation and potential for low-quality, counterfeit products pose significant risks, especially for teenage users. It underscores the need for more research, stricter regulations, and robust quality assurance practices in the CBD industry.

Recommendations and Dosage

In the context of CBD use among teenagers, it is crucial to discuss dosage guidelines and the importance of consultation with healthcare providers.

Dosage Guidelines

Given that CBD impacts individuals differently, it is difficult to establish a one-size-fits-all dosage, especially for children and teens. There are no proven guidelines for dosing CBD oil in kids and teens, but a common approach is to start with low doses and gradually increase. This methodology hinges on the child's weight, with different categories indicating starting dose ranges and high dose ranges.

Child's Weight	Starting Dose (mg)	High Dose (mg)
Under 20 lbs	2.5	10
20-40 lbs	2.5-5	10-20
40-60 lbs	5-10	20-30
Over 60 lbs	10-15	30-45

These guidelines should serve as a starting point, and adjustments can be made based on the child's reaction to the CBD oil.

Consultation with Healthcare Providers

Despite the potential benefits of CBD oil for children and adolescents, including improved focus, better memory, higher daytime alertness, less agitation, and boosted immune function, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any CBD regimen. CBD oil can have side effects and potentially interact with other medications, which underscores the importance of medical consultation.

The World Health Organization's Comprehensive Report on CBD (2018) states that "CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile." The report also concluded that there is no evidence of CBD having the potential for abuse or dependence. However, the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD products can lead to confusion and potential harm.

Furthermore, CBD oil has shown promising applications for children and adolescents, potentially aiding in treating anxiety (including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and PTSD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, sleep problems, chronic pain (specifically inflammatory pain conditions), epilepsy (promising results for kids with seizure disorders), nausea, and appetite suppression.

In conclusion, while the question "is CBD safe for teens?" can be answered with a tentative yes, it is crucial to approach CBD use with caution, adhering to dosage guidelines and incorporating the advice of healthcare providers.