The use of CBD is rising as more states give the compound the green light. Cannabidiol or CBD is everywhere, from medical marijuana dispensaries to corner stores to bars, you name them. It has been attributed to aiding individuals in relieving pain and making them feel better.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a hemp plant extract, with most products being THC-free or containing minimal traces of it (the latter is the primary psychoactive component in marijuana). Users don’t get the same “high” effects with CBD, which is available in numerous forms, such as oils, tinctures, gummies, and vape juices.
However, you must be aware there is still minimal research on its efficacy and safety, especially in kids. Also, cannabis is at the embryonic stage of regulation and legalization; hence different products have significant disparities in dosage and quality.
The drug has been popular as a treatment for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and A.D.H.D. The following part provides vital information parents need to know about CBD because many parents are opting to use it to aid their kid’s sleep, focus, or relaxation.
- What are the Forms of CBD?
It might be daunting to decide on the right product for your kid as you browse through CBD products. From gummies to oils to vapes to lotions, the products in the market are plenty. However, the major products are CBD oils and CBD bath bombs.
CBD oils are products that contain cannabidiol extract. The oils come in a small glass with a dropper that measures the amount of CBD you can take. On the other hand, CBD gummies are candy gummies with cannabidiol extract. These gummies are typically in multipacks that have multiple gummies to give multiple doses of CBD.
Conversely, CBD oils are a versatile alternative for taking cannabidiol. You can give your kids the oil orally like a liquid supplement, or you can use the oil in foods or drinks. Moreover, you can add the oil to a smoothie or soup, ensuring your child will enjoy their meal while getting a dose of CBD.
- Where is the CBD Sourced?
Another critical factor to consider is the farming that went into making the by-products. Organic farming is the best option for your child as it boasts many advantages over inorganic farming. Also, knowing whether CBD is sourced from hemp or marijuana is crucial. Let’s look at why this is crucial.
Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants. While hemp has less than 0.3% THC, marijuana has higher levels. Federally, CBD sourced from marijuana is illegal, while that sourced from hemp is legal. However, the law may differ from state to state.
The importance of ascertaining whether CBD is sourced from hemp or marijuana is because marijuana-sourced CBD has psychoactive effects. Also, THC in these products will show in a drug test. On the other hand, CBD sourced from quality hemp has traces of THC that won’t result in a high or picked by a drug test.
- Does the Company Have a COA?
A COA is a certificate of analysis. A company gets the certificate by sending its samples to a third-party laboratory. Any reputable CBD product should have the certificates, and the laboratories used should not have any stake in the company.
To access the COA, scan the QR code on the product using your smartphone. Also, websites for the product or retailers selling the product will have the COA available. You may also email the company to get the COA. Below are some of the critical factors you should be looking for in the COA:
- Labeling accuracy – Ensure the CBD and THC concentration on the label and the COA are similar. Mislabeling is very common among CBD products, and many researchers agree.
- Cannabinoid profile – Look at the list of cannabinoids, especially if the product is broad-spectrum.
- Additional lab charts – Look for contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides here. Determine if these contaminants are within the safe limit and are indicated “pass” on the status column.
- What Should be the CBD Dosage for Your Kids?
How much CBD should I give my child? This is a very common question posed by parents. Well, that will mostly be dependent on the weight of your kid. Your kid’s excellent CBD dosage starting point should be 0.5 pounds for every pound in their body weight. For instance, if your kid is three pounds, you will give them two drops thrice a day for a 1.5mg dosage of CBD.
- What Is the Strength of the CBD?
The strength of CBD is the amount of cannabidiol per volume. Determining the strength of CBD is not straightforward, with some products making it more difficult to understand their potency. On the product, the larger print number indicates the amount of CBD for the whole product in milligrams, not a serving.
To know the concentration of CBD oils, look for milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Conversely, to determine the concentration of gummies, divide the value in big lettering by the number of gummies. Say the package has 300mg indicated, and there are 30 gummies; you will have 10mg for every gummy.
The Takeaway
Now that you are armed with the crucial information about CBD products, you can go to your shopping and get the best-suited product for your kid. Also, remember that the product you select must have undergone third-party testing. Therefore, regardless of the bold claims made by the retailer or company, C.O.A. certification should be paramount. Finally, start with small doses to see how the child responds before trying more.