CBD for Adolescents: Is It Safe? Benefits, Risks & Research

Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is becoming a more common component in oils, gummies, capsules, beverages, and a range of other substances. The reason for this is that most companies promote their products as being relaxing or natural. In consequence, some teenagers and parents are curious about whether CBD can assist them in relieving their anxiety, stress, insomnia, or any other mental disorders.

However, just because something is natural, it does not necessarily mean that it is safe to consume for teens.

Being at a very delicate stage of psychological development, adolescents require more research on the safety and efficacy of the use of CBD for most of the mental illnesses.

According to a recent systematic review, there are an insufficient number of clinical trials investigating the effects of CBD for adolescents, particularly regarding anxiety and depression in young patients.

So, should teens try CBD for anxiety or other mental issues? Let’s discuss.

What Is CBD?

Well, cannabis plants are the primary source of CBD. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not cause a “high” feeling commonly experienced after consuming cannabis.

However, the distinction between CBD and THC can lead to the assumption that CBD is absolutely safe to consume. This is not the case, as CBD can affect one’s body and react to other drugs.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), apart from a prescription CBD drug used for certain rare seizure disorders, no CBD substances have been approved as treatment options for certain medical conditions. In addition, there remain open issues with dosage, drug interaction, safety, and product purity.

Is CBD Safe for Adolescents?

Well, there is not sufficient scientific evidence available to declare that CBD is safe for adolescents. However, it does not mean that the usage of cannabis will necessarily lead to complications.

It means only that there is not enough scientific information on proper dosages, possible long-term effects, consistency of the product, as well as its interaction with other drugs.

“A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of cannabinoid trials among children and teenagers in 2024 found an elevated risk of developing several side effects like diarrhea, lethargy, and increase of enzymes in the liver.”

Additionally, these researchers pointed out the importance of conducting more research regarding long-term effects.

The reason for which the data is important is that young people often consume drugs because of such diseases like anxiety, depression, ADHD, epilepsy, and so on.

Can CBD Help Teen Anxiety?

Well, it is one of the most important questions regarding the use of CBD by teenagers.

Some early studies have provided some promising results, but the research base is still insufficient.

However, based on a systematic review concerning the impact of CBD on adolescents and young adults, only four clinical trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy of CBD therapy among patients suffering from anxiety disorders. So, there is a general perception that there is insufficient evidence of CBD efficacy.

Thus, these results are insufficient to guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment.

For a teenager suffering from anxiety, it is advisable to try psychological counseling first.

Why Can CBD Products Be Difficult to Evaluate?

When you go to the market or look at the website, you can see that there are a lot of items that have labels that say:

• CBD oil
• CBD gummies
• CBD capsules
• Broad spectrum CBD
• Full spectrum CBD
• Hemp-derived CBD

So, it does not necessarily mean that your product is going to have the same composition that it says.

In fact, studies have pointed out that the composition of the commercially available cannabinoid-based products could vary in terms of the concentration of cannabinoids and could even be contaminated with THC.

CBD and Teen Mental Health:

Some parents even think about CBD usage when their teenager is dealing with:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Sleep issues
• Social anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma symptoms

Nevertheless, CBD cannot be used instead of a proper psychological assessment.

In the systematic review discussed above, the authors concluded that there is not enough data to claim that CBD can be used as therapy for depression and anxiety disorders among teenagers and young adults.

What About CBD and Prescription Medication?

Well, this requires extra attention.

CBD has the potential to affect the metabolism of certain prescription medications. There is a risk of an interaction between CBD and some prescription antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.

Parents of teenagers on prescription medication should never give their teens CBD without consulting with the prescribing healthcare provider or the pharmacist.

A simple chat can save you from an unwanted medication interaction.

Safer Ways to Support Teen Anxiety:

When an adolescent feels like using CBD due to anxiety issues, it is essential to address the issue first rather than going for that drug.

Consider Professional Help:

Only a professional can determine if it is anxiety, depression, sleep-related, or something else that is causing anxiety and stress in teens.

Consider CBT:

Well, this well-proven therapy allows teens to understand their negative thoughts, challenge them, and then replace them with healthy behaviors.

Develop Healthy Habits:

Developing healthy habits can have a positive impact on your mental state. These are:

• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising daily
• Building positive relationships
• Maintaining a healthy diet schedule

Deal with the Source of Anxiety:

Dealing with the root cause of anxiety, like stressful situations at school, bullying, or any other reason, solving the problem may be more efficient than hiding it.

What Should Parents Do If a Teen Is Already Using CBD?

Try not to react with anger or judgment right away.

Instead, they should ask:

• What product are you using?
• Why did you begin taking it?
• How frequently do you use it?
• Where have you obtained it from?
• Are there any other medications you are using?
• Do you experience any side effects?

Most importantly, seek prompt medical advice if the teenager develops concerning symptoms such as severe drowsiness, confusion, significant vomiting, or other unexpected reactions.

The Bottom Line: CBD for Adolescents

Wrapping up, CBD may seem like an attractive natural remedy option, especially when a teen is having issues with their anxiety or insomnia. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support the use of CBD as a mental health intervention for teenagers.

There needs to be more research done on dosage, side effects, quality of product, medications, and efficacy of the remedy.

In the end, when dealing with prolonged anxiety or any other mental issue, professional advice should be the first resort over self-medication.