Medical marijuana use in children is on the rise. A treatment that once would have been considered shocking is now being explored even in the most traditional pockets of society. But should marijuana be used to treat chronic illnesses in children? And what kind of long-term effects might it have?
The Pros and Cons of Marijuana for Children
The decision to treat a child with medical cannabis should not be taken lightly. The American Academy of Pediatrics only supports medical marijuana for children in extreme circumstances involving “life-limiting or severely debilitating conditions,” and only when conventional therapies prove ineffective. Many physicians adhere to this standard when deciding whether or not to certify a minor for medical marijuana treatment.
Research indicates that certain cannabinoids (active compounds) in cannabis may offer therapeutic benefits to children. Cannabidiol (CBD), especially, has shown tremendous promise for conditions like refractory epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder.
But while CBD and its analogue cannabidivarin (CBDV) have proven to be well-tolerated in studies involving children, the same can’t necessarily be said about THC—at least in moderate to high doses. That’s why physicians tend to be far more guarded about recommending cannabis for children as opposed to adults.
Conditions for Which Medical Marijuana May Be Effective in Children
Pediatric cannabis-based treatments are most commonly used to address severe forms of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. These treatments may also be used to address the more destructive symptoms of severe autism spectrum disorder.
In addition, research is being done to assess the effects of cannabis treatment on children with Tourette syndrome and severe spasticity. Children with severe nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy may also benefit from cannabis treatments.
CBD and Children
In many cases, a physician may recommend CBD rather than whole-plant cannabis for children. This is especially true for epilepsy, as CBD has demonstrated tremendous promise as an anti-seizure remedy. CBD’s effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system appear to calm seizure activity in the brain. The research is so positive that even the Food and Drug Administration has taken notice. Consider that Epidiolex is the first CBD-based medicine to be approved by the FDA, specifically designed for treating seizures.
CBD doesn’t require a physician’s certification or medical marijuana card, and it can be purchased over the counter in most states. Best of all, researchers have noticed no severe adverse effects in children who consume CBD oil.
In cases where whole plant cannabis is recommended, patients may experience the entourage effect (cumulative benefit of all cannabinoids working together in synergy)
Can a Child Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
Thirty-seven states (plus Washington DC) currently have a medical marijuana program in place. Minors may qualify for cannabis certification in any of these states, but the qualifications for approval are typically much more stringent than for adults. For instance, some states will only qualify a minor if they have a terminal condition, severe epilepsy, or a chronic condition for which other treatments have proven ineffective.
In addition, there’s usually a tougher certification process in place for children. For example, in order to obtain a medical marijuana card in Florida, a child must be certified by two separate physicians. And once the child is certified, there are restrictions on the types of cannabis products they can access—smokable cannabis is prohibited, unless the patient has a terminal condition.
In cases where a child is certified for medical cannabis, the parent or legal guardian must register with the state as the child’s caregiver so that they may purchase and administer cannabis treatments on the child’s behalf.
How to Administer Medical Marijuana to a Child
If a child qualifies for medical cannabis and is certified by the state, it is the responsibility of the parent caregiver to administer treatment. There are a few general guidelines to follow in order to promote the greatest possible benefit for the child:
- Choose your products carefully. Smoked marijuana products (e.g. flower and pre-rolls), as well as vape products, are generally not recommended. Tinctures are generally your best bet. They’re easy to dose, they take effect quickly, and they provide a simple cannabinoid delivery system.
- Stick with low doses of THC. Dosing recommendations will vary depending on the child’s age, condition, body weight, stage of development, and other factors, so it’s very important to follow the doctor’s instructions. While high doses of CBD oil can be tolerated with minimal side effects, THC concentrations should typically remain low.
- Monitor the child’s behavior closely. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the child’s medical symptoms while minimizing side effects. If the cannabis doesn’t appear to be helping, or if it’s causing a strong psychoactive experience that alters the child’s behavior or awareness in negative ways, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or pursuing other options.
If you’re considering the potential benefits of medical marijuana for a child, it’s very important to work closely with a physician and consider all possible avenues. For the right kids under the right circumstances (and with the right precautions), cannabis may help to provide an improved quality of life.
