Samuel Njoroge
If you have been following news about CBD oil and its benefits, then you might have heard that it can help with autism. While studies about CBD oil for autism are underway, families across the US claim that CBD oil can help manage stress for children under the autism spectrum as well as anxiety that comes with social interactions.
What’s more, CBD oil can help reduce aggression and behaviors that could otherwise make autism patients injure themselves.
So, can CBD oil help children with autism? And is it safe to administer CBD oil to your child? Continue reading to find out.
CBD Oil vs. Medical Marijuana: How Do They Differ?
Before we look at the benefits of CBD oil for autism, it is essential to first look at how it is different from medical marijuana.
CBD is among the many substances within the cannabis plant that offer medical benefits. CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant before being mixed with a carrier. CBD oil is produced using industrial hemp and is legal in most states in the US. Ideally, it should contain less than 0.3 percent THC.
Apart from the harvesting process and THC content, medical marijuana has a lot of similarities with CBD oil. Marijuana and THC are under the controlled substances list and, as such, are not legal under federal law. Even so, recent legislation in various states allows people to access medical marijuana when prescribed by a licensed physician.
CBD Oil for Autism: Does it Work?
CBD oil is derived from hemp. As such, it contains small amounts of THC and will, therefore, not cause the “high” feeling in your child. This is not the case for patients who use medical marijuana as it contains significant amounts of THC.
CBD for autism works in two ways. Firstly, CBD oil helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also helps minimize aggression, social interaction problems, and self-injurious behaviors.
Secondly, CBD oil can offer benefits for children with co-occurring seizures. While the situation for each child is unique, parents have reported positive results after using CBD oil for autism and epilepsy.
So, if medical marijuana is illegal in your state, then CBD oil is the best alternative. The best thing is that it has fewer side effects.
Are There Any Risks of Using CBD for Autism?
While initial studies suggest that there’s nothing wrong with administering CBD oil to children, you should watch out for some side effects, including:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Psychosis
- Etc.
However, in most cases, the benefits of CBD oil outweigh the risks. Even so, just like with any other medication, ensure to consult your child’s doctor regarding any questions you might have. Your doctor will consider your child’s medical condition and give appropriate advice.
What’s the Right CBD Oil Dosage for Children with Autism?
If (after seeing the effects of CBD oil on autism) you want to try it out, then you might be wondering about the dosage. Well, the truth is, there’s currently little research about the CBD oil dosage for autism.
To that end, you may want to try it out to see what works well for your child. You can also ask your child’s pediatrician about the right CBD oil dosage for your child. Ideally, the number of CBD oil drops right for your child will depend on your child’s symptoms and the CBD oil potency.
Where Can You Buy CBD Oil for Your Child?
You want your child to get better as soon as possible, right? Then, you should ensure that the CBD products you buy for your child are of high quality. If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, then you can get CBD oil from a dispensary near you.
On the other hand, if medical marijuana is illegal in your state, consider buying CBD oil from health food stores. Since there are many CBD strains for autism, ensure to do in-depth research to determine which strain is best for your child.
So, is it Safe to Administer CBD Oil to Your Child?
As earlier stated, laws surrounding the legality of CBD varies from state to state. It is, therefore, imperative that you confirm CBD legality in your area and consult your child’s doctor. As a rule of thumb, ensure to buy genuine CBD oil products to ensure they are safe for your child.
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