Compare the Best CBD Oil for Child Anxiety in 2022

How CBD May Help With Child Anxiety

Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. Numerous studies suggest that CBD may help with chronic pain, addiction, insomnia, and anxiety⁽¹⁾. 

Currently, there is limited research focused on how CBD may directly help with child anxiety. 

Still, the purported therapeutic benefits of CBD and its activity on the ECS (endocannabinoid system) may elucidate how the non-psychoactive compound may help children suffering from anxiety.

The ECS is responsible for maintaining the body’s homeostasis or balance. The system modulates various bodily functions, such as emotional processing, learning and memory, temperature control, sleep, appetite, pain control, and inflammatory and immune responses⁽²⁾. 

The three components of the ECS are cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 (CB1 and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and enzymes. 

There are several endocannabinoids in the ECS that appear to have a role in the function of mitochondria, neurotransmitters, and the immune system⁽³⁾. These lipid-based neurotransmitters also bind to cannabinoid receptors to elicit a specific response. 

Plant-based cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the mind-altering compound of the cannabis plant, may mimic the actions of endocannabinoids by activating both CB1 and CB2 receptors⁽⁴⁾. 

Although CBD may have a negligible affinity to cannabinoid receptors, the compound appears to be an allosteric modulator of CB1 and CB2, likely potentiating the effects of THC⁽⁵⁾. 

Allosteric modulators refer to substances that bind to a receptor to alter that receptor’s response to a stimulus. 

For instance, CB1 receptors that are abundant within the central nervous system may influence the psychotropic activity of THC⁽⁶⁾. These same receptors may also affect CBD-induced anxiolysis (anxiety relief)⁽⁷⁾. 

CBD may also activate 5-HT1A (serotonin) receptors⁽⁸⁾. A 2020 research article from Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience indicated that CBD may induce anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects by activating 5-HT1A receptors⁽⁹⁾.   

CBD’s purported anxiolytic activity and its actions in the ECS⁽¹⁰⁾ may be promising. However, these findings only highlight the need for more longitudinal studies explaining the effects of CBD on child anxiety.

Benefits of Using CBD for Child Anxiety

Part of CBD’s appeal is likely due to the compound’s favorable safety profile confirmed by the WHO (World Health Organization)⁽¹¹⁾.

Currently, research regarding the use of CBD for child anxiety is minimal. However, a case report published in The Permanente Journal may be useful for researchers who want to further examine the benefits of using CBD for pediatric anxiety.

The case report was about a ten-year-old girl with PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder)⁽¹²⁾. The young girl had minimal parental supervision and was sexually abused. 

The researchers involved in the study recognized the prevalence of an anxiety-provoked sleep disorder in the young girl due to her traumatic experience. 

They administered a trial dose of 25 mg of CBD initiated at bedtime. They also gave the girl 6mg to 12mg of CBD sublingual (under the tongue) spray during the day for anxiety. 

The researchers noted a gradual improvement in the young girl’s sleep quality and quantity and a reduction in anxiety. After five months, the patient slept in her room most nights and handled the new school year with no difficulties. 

Results of the said study suggest that CBD oil may be an effective and safe compound to reduce anxiety and insomnia secondary to PTSD⁽¹³⁾. 

Still, the researchers admit that further studies should be conducted to determine the permanency of the young girl’s positive behavior and the duration for which she needs to take CBD oil. 

Some animal-based research also showed CBD’s potential to help with anxiety and other mood disorders⁽¹⁴⁾.

Another study from Neurotherapeutics suggested that CBD’s anti-anxiety actions seem to depend on CB1 receptors and 5-HT1A (serotonin) receptors in several brain regions⁽¹⁵⁾.  

Researchers believe that cannabidiol may inhibit serotonin reuptake in the brain, making the hormone that stabilizes mood more available for the body⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Their research findings suggest that CBD may help individuals with anxiety manage their symptoms, likely due to its potential agonistic properties at serotonin receptors.   

The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that one-fourth of children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) also have anxiety disorders⁽¹⁷⁾. 

ADHD refers to a chronic medical condition that affects millions of children and often progresses into adulthood⁽¹⁸⁾. 

The disorder is characterized by a combination of persistent medical issues, such as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and difficulty sustaining attention. 

A study from the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology examined the effects of cannabinoids on individuals with ADHD⁽¹⁹⁾. 

The authors reported that 30 adults with ADHD showed a minor reduction in ADHD symptoms, with no cognitive impairments after using Sativex oromucosal spray. 

Sativex is a 1:1 dose ratio combination of CBD to THC⁽²⁰⁾.

The result may seem promising. However, the study was conducted on adults, not on children. 

It is also worth noting that most of the research results are inconclusive, while others are derived from animal studies. 

Still, the findings may be helpful to researchers conducting further human and animal studies regarding the benefits of CBD for child anxiety. 

How Children With Anxiety Can Take CBD Oil

The most common CBD delivery methods are the following⁽²¹⁾:  

• Ingestion (taking edibles like capsules and gummies)  
• Sublingual (placing oils or  tinctures under the tongue) 

Tips for Giving CBD to Children

You may administer CBD to your child sublingually. 

The sublingual method relies on the mucous membranes under the tongue to absorb the compound⁽²²⁾. In this route, the capillaries in the connective tissue diffuse CBD as it enters the bloodstream. 

The sublingual route is a fast-acting solution with a 15 to 30-minute onset⁽²³⁾. 

However, if your children do not like the earthy and grass-like taste of CBD oil, then you may try to give your child CBD gummies. These products are regular gummies that have been infused with cannabidiol.  

Most CBD gummies are available in various shapes and sizes. They are also flavored using natural ingredients without additives like flavor enhancers. 

Usually, CBD edibles like gummies have an onset time of 30 to 90 minutes⁽²⁴⁾. 

Still, always consult a doctor before you administer CBD oil or other CBD-derived products to your child or teenager with anxiety. 

CBD Oil Dosage Guidelines for Child Anxiety

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved CBD as a treatment for child anxiety. Therefore, there is no standard CBD dosage for such a condition. 

The only FDA-approved drug product that contains CBD is Epidiolex⁽²⁵⁾. Epidiolex is a CBD oral solution recommended for treating seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy in children two years and older⁽²⁶⁾. 

It is believed that mid-range doses between 10mg and 100mg of CBD daily may be effective for mental health issues like anxiety⁽²⁷⁾. Still, it is unknown whether these doses may apply to children. 

On the other hand, a study that examined the effectiveness of CBD oil for child anxiety and insomnia as part of PTSD utilized 25mg of CBD supplement at night and 6mg to 12mg of CBD sublingual spray during the day⁽²⁸⁾. 

The result indicated that CBD oil may be an effective and safe compound to reduce anxiety and insomnia secondary to PTSD⁽²⁹⁾. 

Still, it is best to talk with a pediatrician versed in cannabis use if you are considering using CBD to help your child with anxiety. These experts can give you an accurate dosage and even advise you regarding potential risks and side effects.  

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Child Anxiety?

How long CBD takes to help with child anxiety depends on several factors, including the route of administration, your child’s body weight, and CBD’s potency.

Your child may feel the effect of CBD via the ingestion route between 30 and 90 minutes⁽³⁰⁾. Meanwhile, the onset time of CBD via the sublingual route is between 15 and 30 minutes, and its effects may last from 2 to 4 hours⁽³¹⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Child Anxiety?

How long CBD will last after it takes effect depends on its bioavailability. 

Bioavailability is the extent to which a particular drug becomes entirely available to its intended biological destination. 

The bioavailability of CBD via the ingestion route is between 6% and 15%⁽³²⁾. On the other hand, CBD’s bioavailability via the sublingual method is between 6% and 20%⁽³³⁾. 

Finding the Best CBD Oil for Your Child

There are various CBD brands in the market promising to offer the best CBD oil for kids. For instance, most high-quality products infused with CBD are formulated to provide health benefits, aiming to deliver promising results. 

To guide you in selecting the best CBD oil products for child anxiety and overall wellness, here are a few factors to consider:  

Hemp Extracts

Hemp extracts can be categorized as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolates.  

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including other cannabinoids, essential oils, flavonoids, and terpenes. 

Flavonoids are active compounds present in cannabis that are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions⁽³⁴⁾. Terpenes are the components of essential oils responsible for the aroma of cannabis⁽³⁵⁾. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil also has less than 0.3% THC concentration. Moreover, this CBD variant is known to provide the entourage effect due to the presence of all cannabis compounds. 

The entourage effect is a theoretical mechanism wherein the biologically active compounds of cannabis work better when administered together.  Hence, CBD users may benefit more from using products derived from the whole plant⁽³⁶⁾. 

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD contains all the natural compounds of cannabis. However, it is THC-free. Lastly, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD. 

Ingredients 

Make sure to choose CBD formats made with organic hemp or natural ingredients. If possible, also opt for non-GMO products and items without gluten and other additives that may trigger allergic reactions for some.  

Extraction Method 

Ethanol, solvent, and carbon dioxide (CO2 extraction) are preferred extraction methods to create a safe CBD product⁽³⁷⁾. Hemp extracts may be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil. 

On the other hand, extraction methods utilizing hexane or butane are unsafe. They may leave harmful residues, like heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. 

Third-Party Testing

The best way to check whether a CBD product contains what the brand says it does is to look at the lab reports and COAs (certificates of analysis) from a third-party lab. 

The COAs or lab test results must be up-to-date. Most importantly, ensure that the information on the COA matches the claims on the product label.  

Brand Reputation

Many CBD brands like Royal CBD and CBDistillery are dedicated to offering only high-quality CBD products like CBD topicals and edibles to their customers. 

Still, it is vital to research the CBD company to verify whether it is a trusted brand. Read customer feedback to get more insight into the manufacturer and its products. 

Carrier Oils 

After extracting CBD from the hemp plant, CBD manufacturers infuse the compound into a carrier oil. 

The most commonly utilized carrier oils are MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, coconut oil, and hempseed oil⁽³⁸⁾. 

Although most people interchangeably use ‘hempseed oil’ and ‘hemp oil,’ they vary significantly.

Hemp oil (also often referred to as CBD oil) is an essential oil that comes from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants. 

Meanwhile, hempseed oil is made from the pressed seeds of hemp. While hempseed oil is packed in nutrients and fatty acids, it does not contain CBD⁽³⁹⁾.  

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Administering CBD to a Child With Anxiety

According to the WHO, CBD is relatively safe and is generally well tolerated in humans and animals⁽⁴⁰⁾. Still, CBD may carry some risks and induce minor side effects, such as⁽⁴¹⁾: 

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite

For children with anxiety, the treatment of choice are antidepressants, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors⁽⁴²⁾. 

Reuptake inhibitors increase the supply of neurotransmitters in the brain by blocking their rapid destruction and re-absorption.

Benzodiazepines are other medications used for children with anxiety disorders⁽⁴³⁾. 

Benzodiazepines provide short-term relief only. Still, they can reduce intense anxiety in distressed children⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Antidepressants and benzodiazepines may interact with CBD because both substances use the cytochrome P450 enzyme system⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

Cytochrome P450 is a family of liver enzymes, which metabolizes approximately 60% of the pharmaceutical substances people consume. CBD at high doses may inhibit these enzymes, increasing the prescription drugs’ effect and duration of action⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

There is no standard cut-off dose to avoid such interactions because each drug has its unique threshold for CBD sensitivity. Furthermore, the ECS of each person is different⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Hence, you have to work with your children’s pediatrician to conduct a blood level test while taking CBD to monitor how much of the substance is in your child’s blood.  

Legality of CBD

The U.S. Congress ratified the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing the commercial use of industrial hemp and products obtained from hemp plants⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

The Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are considered legal under federal law⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

Remember that most states also have varied rules and regulations regarding CBD use. Hence, it would be best to research various state laws, particularly if you wish to administer CBD to your child. 

For example, in New York, adults 21 years and older can purchase up to three ounces of cannabis flowers and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis⁽⁵⁰⁾. However, they can only buy cannabis products from a state-licensed dispensary.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, the local government legalized the use of marijuana by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution⁽⁵¹⁾.