Developmental Delay

Developmental disabilities can begin before a baby is born or arise due to circumstances that occurred after birth. A variety of factors can influence developmental disabilities. Including genetics, parental health and behaviors (such as smoking and drinking) during pregnancy. Complications during birth such as infections the mother might have during pregnancy or the baby might have very early in life, and exposure of the mother or child to high levels of environmental toxins, such as lead. (1).

Having a disability does not mean a person is not healthy or that he or she cannot be healthy! As challenging as life can be with a disability, natural remedies such as CBD products can increase the quality of life and decrease discomforts that can arise.Some health conditions, such as asthma, gastrointestinal symptoms, eczema/skin allergies, and migraine headaches have been found to be more common among children with developmental disabilities. Our endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short, (see The Science Behind CBD) is associated with all of the functions related to these health conditions. Many health conditions arise or are exacerbated because of an insufficient or imbalanced amount of cannabinoids in the ECS. Science shows us that supplementing with CBD products may help bring harmony to this system. This can help alleviate unwanted symptoms and overall increase the quality of your child’s life.

Having a disability does not mean a person is not healthy or that he or she cannot be healthy! As challenging as life can be with a disability, natural remedies such as CBD products can increase the quality of life and decrease discomforts that can arise.

ADHD/ODD

ADHD is a brain-based disorder that can interfere with a child’s everyday activities at home and in school. There are varying types; some kids have trouble paying attention, some are hyperactive, and others have trouble controlling their behavior. ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), is defined by aggressiveness and a tendency to purposely bother and irritate others. It is common for a child to have a dual diagnosis with a mood/behavioral disorder; some studies estimate that 65% of kids with ADHD also have a defiance disorder.

Typically, medication is prescribed for children with these disorders. Unfortunately, these medications are often addictive and come with side effects. Although we firmly believe there is a place for conventional medicine, cannabinoid therapy may be a wonderful natural option. If not by itself, then as a complement to your child’s prescription regimen. Some families find their child needs less of their medication or can come off of it altogether with the implementation of CBD. We are NOT recommending this, we are simply letting you know what other people have done. The choice is completely yours and will depend on your situation.

OCD

Children with OCD struggle with it in varying levels. Available research data shows that cannabinoids like CBD can reduce anxiety, fear, and repetitive behaviors in those experiencing OCD. CBD binds to FABP (fatty acid binding protein), which prevents the body’s naturally produced cannabinoid – anandamide, from being degraded by FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase). This results in increased anandamide levels in the part of the brain where the symptoms of OCD are generated. The result is a successful decrease in the repetitive thoughts and an elimination of the behaviors that occur in order to banish these intrusive thoughts (2).

Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety and depression do not discriminate, they can be experienced at any age. Parents attribute their child’s anxiety to trauma, separation, social settings, diet, home environment, and more. No matter the reason, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to help children alleviate and navigate the uncomfortable symptoms that come with these disorders? Mood disorders are correlated directly to a neurotransmitter known as serotonin. When we are low on this chemical, we typically experience irregular, erratic, or low moods. Research suggests that CBD inhibits serotonin reuptake in the brain, meaning there is more available for the body to use (3). In this way, CBD could help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety/depression.

Another benefit of supplementing with CBD and other cannabinoids is that the body is prompted to produce more of its own cannabinoids (4). This includes anandamide, the endocannabinoid that helps regulate emotions such as fear, bliss, and euphoria. Insufficient anandamide production has been linked to low mood or overreaction to anxiety triggers. As with serotonin, CBD triggers the release of anandamide and prevents it from being used up so quickly. This can help the person using the product achieve or maintain mood stability.

Last but not least, brain scans of patients suffering from anxiety and depression often show a smaller hippocampus. Which is a part of the brain that is correlated to the functions of feeling, reacting, and memory. CBD may prompt the hippocampus to regenerate neurons, helping it return to its normal healthy size and relieve unwanted symptoms (5).

Autism

In a recent comprehensive research study conducted at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 60 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who had not responded to traditional drug therapies for autism, were given CBD oil for over 7 months. The results were incredible: 80% of the children reported overall improvements in their conditions. More specifically, scientists found that CBD reduced autism-related anxiety, communication, and behavioral problems.

This is amazing news for caregivers of children with autism and healthcare providers alike, given that 1 in 40 children in the US is diagnosed with ASD, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

While more scientific studies are underway, families report CBD products can be amazing for people on the autism spectrum by reducing stress, aggression, behaviors that could lead to self harm, and anxiety surrounding social interactions. Recent reports indicate CBD can also aid children with co-occurring seizures.

Epilepsy

Did you know CBD oil was first famed for helping a little girl named Charlotte manage her seizures? CBD has anticonvulsant properties, and CBD users more often than not find seizure quantity and severity to be reduced when they are consistent with CBD use.

A 2018 study included 92 children and adults (ages 1 to 37) with epilepsy whose seizures were not well-managed with AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) and who used CBD for an average of 19.8 months. They had various forms of epilepsy ranging from Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome to epilepsy caused by stroke. Researchers determined 57% experienced a 50% reduction in average monthly seizure frequency, meaning the treatment was considered effective. Of that 57%, tolerance developed in 32% after an average of 7.3 months.

“CBD is a good option for children and adults with certain kinds of epilepsy, but as with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), it can become less effective over time and the dose may need to be increased to manage the seizures,” said doctor Shimrit Uliel-Sibony, M.D., lead author of a study conducted on patients with epilepsy at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center’s Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, Israel (6). Even though tolerance may develop, if your child is struggling with seizures, CBD may be a viable option for you if you are interested in a safe and natural remedy.

Cancer

A 2019 review conducted in Slovenia noted that CBD is an excellent aid in pain management and can help reduce anxiety and nausea in cancer patients. In addition, the study suggests that cannabinoids like CBD “were able to effectively modulate tumor growth in different in vitro and in vivo cancer models, however, these anticancer effects appear to be dependent on cancer type and drug dose.” Several other studies have suggested that cannabinoid therapy may inhibit the growth and spread of certain types of cancer cells as well. All of this information indicates cannabinoid therapy as a wonderful addition to cancer treatment and has been shown to be an amazing comfort for patients in palliative care.

Sleep

Many children have troubles with sleeping from a young age. We find that CBD products can help them with the quality and duration of their sleep. In a 2016 study for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, the effects of CBD were examined on a young patient suffering from anxiety-provoked sleep disorder. CBD oil was proven to be an effective compound to reduce anxiety and insomnia secondary to PTSD.

With 5 months of CBD use, a 10 year old girl’s scores on the sleep and anxiety scale consistently and steadily decreased. She was able to sleep through the night almost ever night in her own room, something she struggled with daily prior to the study. She was less anxious at school and home and displayed appropriate behaviors. The patient’s grandmother (her caregiver) reported: “My granddaughter’s behaviors are definitely better being on the CBD. Her anxiety is not gone, but it is not as intense and she is much easier to be around. She now sleeps in her own room most of the time, which has never happened before.”

Another cannabinoid, CBN, has been shown to possess properties that can help with a good night of sleep. It can be a particularly effective option for reducing anxious feelings and combating insomnia, especially in higher doses. Learn more about CBN here.

Stress

Stress rules our lives if we aren’t careful. And these days, it seems to start at a much earlier age than it used to. The Endocannabinoid System has a direct correlation to cortisol (a stress hormone that can create problems within the body when it is constantly being released). CBD has been shown to interfere with the excretion of cortisol and aids in reducing many unwanted symptoms associated with stress.

Pain & Inflammation

CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities. Kids can use CBD to manage their growing pains, or pain associated with injuries, surgeries, and more. Equally, CBD can be used to alleviate symptoms that arise from inflammatory diseases.

Common Questions