As cannabidiol, or CBD, continues to make headline news for its ability to treat a myriad of childhood diseases effectively, without the side effects of conventional drug therapies, more and more parents are starting to take notice. Determined to find safe ways of helping their infants, many are now administering CBD to help their infants find relief from an array of debilitating health issues.
Science Proves CBD Safe
Research reveals that CBD has an incredibly high number of medicinal properties. Science already finds it a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti-ischemic, anti-tumor, antibacterial, analgesic, antifungal, and anti- just about everything else. Sadly, due to restrictive laws surrounding the illegality of cannabis, clinical trials are rare and data is scarce, but this is fast changing.
Scientists have been analyzing the safety and efficacy of CBD in infants in many studies. One particular study, a year in length, enrolled 214 kids with treatment resistant epilepsy from all across the United States. They were consuming huge quantities of medications and still suffering repeated breakthrough seizures. All were suffering terribly, both from the epilepsy itself and the side effects of treatment.
During the study, these kids all received high doses of CBD daily, between 25 milligrams and 50 milligrams per kilogram every day. If we assume a child weighs 45 pounds, this equates to a dose of between 500 milligrams and 1,000 milligrams every day for a full year. The findings of this national study showed CBD reducing seizures by a third, and that it has a beneficial safety profile.
It is very important to note that the kids in this study were taking enormous doses, much bigger than one would need to treat other health concerns, such as insomnia, anxiety, or inflammation. This is very reassuring, since it proves CBD safe at 1,000 milligrams for a whole year in children. This means that lower doses are just as safe and effective in very young children, including infants.
What the State Says
Official proof exists declaring the safety of CBD in children. Both the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food & Drug Administration granted the “Orphan Drug,” a potent CBD preparation, the designation of treating seizures in kids with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. They also approved CBD for use in neonatal asphyxia.
What this means is that, according to medical authorities in both Europe and the United States, the benefits of CBD for infants and children far outweigh any risks, of which there really do not appear to be any. CBD is safe, effective, and completely non-toxic, making it suitable for children suffering an array of mild to debilitating diseases, from infancy to adulthood.
Dosing Newborns and Small Children
Since CBD is non-toxic, adults can experiment quite a bit to find the ideal dose for them. Newborns, however, do not have this luxury. Parents must determine the correct dose for them. Medical experts recommend starting with 0.5 milligrams per pound of weight every day, which you should divide into three doses, for morning, noon, and night.
This will give the newborn time to acclimatize to the beneficial effects of CBD. Every week, increase the dose by another 0.5 milligrams per pound of child each day. Continue increasing the dosage each week until you see maximum results. It is wise to err on the side of conservative. Dosing in small, gradual amounts will give you the control needed to find the ideal dose for your infant. Be patient and go slow.
Administering CBD to Infants
When administering CBD oil to your newborn, it is crucial that you space the doses at least two hours apart from any other medications that your child may possibly be taking. This will help prevent possible interactions from occurring, which is extremely rare, even unheard of, but important nonetheless in children, especially infants.
Additionally, to increase bioavailability of CBD, you should dispense it with a high fat snack. This will improve absorption. Because cannabinoids, like CBD, are fat-soluble and not water-soluble, it is essential that you administer it with fatty foods, such as milk, or dispense it directly, such as under the tongue or on the side of the cheek for tinctures, which includes CBD oil and other concentrates.
Delivery Method of CBD for Small Children
Parents have options when it comes to administering it. There are a few methods of delivery, all of which are effective. However, since infants and very young kids cannot inhale it or swallow capsules easily, for example, most parents prefer tinctures and oils. When it comes to children, patience is a miracle, not just a virtue. The easiest, most reliable delivery system will always be most effective:
CBD Oil
Because infants are too small to swallow it orally, or some young kids refuse to put anything resembling a pill into their mouths, Its oil is the obvious choice for most parents. You can drop it under the tongue directly or smear it on the cheek. You can also mix it with a fatty food, such as milk. You could also drop it onto a chocolate or similar. The child will suck it until it melts and enjoy it to boot.
CBD Capsules
If your child is able to swallow, then soft gel CBD capsules offer the best method of delivery. Made of gelatin, soft gels are single capsules. Since they have a smooth shape and contour, swallowing them is very easy, and because they are airtight and completely sealed, they have a longer shelf life too. They are also tasteless.
Final Thoughts
Science proves it as safe and effective for infants, even at exceptionally high doses. It is able to relieve symptoms of epilepsy and muscular disorders, as well as pain, anxiety, and so, so much more. It is easy to administer, impossible to dose incorrectly, completely non-toxic, and packed with health benefits. It is no wonder that parents are ditching dangerous pharmaceuticals and giving it to their children.
