The Complex Question of CBD and Age
Determining the safety of cannabidiol (CBD) based on age is not a straightforward matter. The answer depends heavily on the specific product, its intended use, and the legal jurisdiction. For young people, the stakes are particularly high due to the potential impact on brain development and the lack of robust, long-term studies. For adults, while generally considered safe, there are important considerations regarding side effects, product quality, and potential drug interactions.
Pediatric Use: When Medical Supervision is Required
CBD use in children is a subject of significant caution among medical professionals. With the exception of one specific pharmaceutical product, CBD is generally not recommended for minors without strict medical supervision. This is primarily due to a lack of research on its long-term effects on the developing brain and body.
- FDA-Approved Epidiolex: The only FDA-approved, prescription-only CBD medication is Epidiolex, used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex in patients one year of age and older. This is a pharmaceutical-grade, pure CBD product that has undergone rigorous clinical trials, is standardized for dosage, and is monitored for safety. Common side effects reported in children using Epidiolex include sleepiness, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.
- Over-the-Counter Products: In stark contrast, over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products are not regulated by the FDA. This lack of oversight means there are no federal standards for consistency, purity, or potency. Products can be mislabeled, contain different amounts of CBD than advertised, or be contaminated with THC, pesticides, or heavy metals. Giving these unregulated products to a child is particularly risky due to the variability in dosing and the potential for unintended side effects from contaminants.
Parents considering CBD for a child's condition, such as anxiety or autism-related behaviors, should always consult a pediatrician or pediatric specialist. These experts can weigh the limited anecdotal evidence against the significant unknowns and potential risks, prioritizing the child's overall well-being.
Adolescent Use: Weighing Potential Harms on the Developing Brain
For teenagers, the risk assessment for CBD use is similar to that of children. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant development, particularly in regions that affect memory, impulse control, and decision-making. The potential long-term effects of CBD on this sensitive developmental process are not yet fully understood due to the limited research available.
Some preliminary studies suggest that CBD may offer some benefits for anxiety or sleep issues in young people, but these studies often involve small sample sizes or lack control groups, limiting their validity. Medical experts remain cautious, and organizations like the Food Standards Agency in the UK advise against CBD use for individuals under 18 unless medically directed.
Key risks for adolescents include:
- Interference with Medications: CBD can interact with and affect the metabolism of other medications commonly prescribed to teens, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness.
- Exposure to THC: Unregulated products may contain undisclosed levels of THC, which is particularly detrimental to the adolescent brain and can have long-lasting consequences.
- Unreliable Dosing: Due to the unregulated market, there is no guarantee that the dosage on the label matches the actual content, making safe and consistent dosing impossible.
Adult Use: General Safety and Personal Responsibility
For most healthy adults, CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, this does not mean it is without potential risks. Common side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, reduced appetite, and diarrhea. As with any supplement or medication, it's essential for adults to consult a healthcare provider before starting CBD, especially if they are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Legal Age Restrictions: A Patchwork of Regulations
While the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC, it did not set a national age restriction for purchasing. Instead, age limits are determined at the state and local levels, creating a complex and varied regulatory landscape across the United States.
In many states, the legal age to purchase CBD is 18, but some have set it at 21, often aligning with restrictions for tobacco and alcohol. Additionally, many online and brick-and-mortar retailers have self-imposed age restrictions of 18 or 21 to mitigate risk, regardless of state law.
Medical CBD vs. Commercial CBD: A Crucial Comparison
The most important distinction in the CBD market is between pharmaceutical-grade, FDA-approved medications and commercially available dietary supplements.
| Feature | Medical CBD (e.g., Epidiolex) | Commercial CBD (OTC) |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approval | Yes, fully approved for specific conditions. | No, not evaluated or approved by the FDA for therapeutic use. |
| Regulation | Regulated as a prescription drug, with strict oversight. | Unregulated; falls under general food/supplement guidelines. |
| Purity | Pure, standardized, and tested for consistency and contaminants. | Varies widely; potential for mislabeling and contaminants. |
| Dosing | Precisely measured and standardized; dosage determined by a doctor. | Variable; depends on product, with no universal standard. |
| Age Requirement | Prescribed for specific pediatric conditions (ages 1+). | Varies by state (18+ or 21+); often restricted for purchase. |
| Supervision | Requires ongoing medical supervision by a doctor. | No mandatory medical supervision; consumer assumes responsibility. |
Dangers of an Unregulated Market
The lack of consistent federal regulation for commercial CBD products poses several risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and adolescents. A 2017 study found that a significant number of online CBD products were mislabeled, with some containing much more or less CBD than stated, and others containing undisclosed THC. Other tests have revealed products contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, and harmful solvents. Without federal oversight, consumers have little recourse and no way of knowing exactly what they are purchasing. The FDA continues to issue warnings to companies making unsubstantiated health claims about CBD, further emphasizing the need for caution when navigating the market. The safest approach, especially for parents considering CBD for a minor, is to rely solely on FDA-approved products under the guidance of a medical professional.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Age and CBD
The question of at what age is it safe to take CBD is not a simple one, and the answer prioritizes caution and medical guidance, especially for younger individuals. Due to the lack of long-term studies on the effects of commercial CBD on the developing brain and the risks of an unregulated market, parents and caregivers should not administer these products to children or teens without a doctor's recommendation. For adults, CBD is generally safe, but consultation with a healthcare provider is still recommended to discuss proper dosing, potential side effects, and drug interactions. Ultimately, the clearest message is to prioritize medically-supervised, pharmaceutical-grade products for minors with specific conditions, and to exercise due diligence and informed caution when choosing commercial products for adults. You can find more information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on what to know about cannabis and CBD products here.
