Beth Myers
A 2020 study about Canadian youths reveals that many young adults 10-22 suffer from anxiety disorders. It is disturbingly becoming a norm for teenagers to experience a social anxiety disorder.
With CBD’s impressive feats in anxiety treatment, it’s no wonder people consider it for treatment in teens.
In this post, we’ll explore details about CBD for anxiety in teens.We will also weigh the potential benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision.
CBD for teens is controversial, and there are some risks to be aware of. As a parent, you want to make the best choice for your child’s health and well-being.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of over 100 chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD does not get you high. CBD oil and other CBD products are made from industrial hemp, a cannabis plant that contains meager amounts of THC.
It interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate chronic pain, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety. Many teenagers use CBD oil and CBD gummies to relieve chronic anxiety and stress naturally.
While further research is required, some studies have shown promising results for anxiety relief. CBD inhibits anxiety by impacting the activity of serotonin receptors that influence your mood and stress levels in your brain. It also acts on GABA receptors, which are involved in regulating anxiety.
Undoubtedly, CBD is not for everyone. Possible side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and weight. CBD may also interact with certain medications. So get medical advice if you’re on any other drugs. They can advise you on the proper dosage to ensure CBD doesn’t negatively affect your treatment plan.
CBD shows much promise for anxiety, and many teens find relief from CBD products. But do your own research, understand the risks, and talk to a medical professional before trying any supplement. You need to protect your mental health at all costs.
How CBD Works to Reduce Anxiety
CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, pain sensation, and stress levels. It prevents your body from quickly breaking down natural endocannabinoids.
- CBD acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, influencing mood and stress levels.
- It also acts on the pain receptors of the brain, spinal cord, and tissues. By reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters, CBD alleviates anxiety-induced pain, discomfort, and restlessness.
- CBD may affect dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation and reward-motivated behavior. Elevating dopamine levels improve your mood and ease anxious thoughts.
The effects of CBD are often subtle, but with regular use, you may notice a significant reduction in physical anxiety symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, and sleep problems. It has a calming, grounding effect to help quiet your anxious mind.
The benefits of CBD for anxiety in teens far outweigh the risks when used responsibly under medical guidance.
CBD Oil vs. Other Anxiety Medications for Teens
Not all clinical psychologists or medical professionals recommend CBD for a teen with anxiety. But knowing your options allows you to make an informed choice.
Fewer Side Effects
CBD treatment typically has fewer side effects than traditional anxiety medications for teens, like antidepressants. It is a natural compound found in hemp and cannabis plants, so it tends to be well tolerated by the body with little risk of adverse reactions.
CBD oil’s most common side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, and irritability. Antidepressant medications, on the other hand, are lab-created pharmaceutical drugs that often come with a long list of possible side. This may include nausea, weight gain, insomnia, and loss of libido.
Non-Addictive
CBD oil is non-addictive and does not produce a “high” feeling. Teenagers won’t develop a dependence or tolerance to CBD as they might with anti-anxiety meds like Xanax or Valium.
These prescription drugs work by slowing activity in the brain leading to addiction, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.
CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system to regulate mood and stress levels in a non-addictive manner.
Alternative Treatment
For some teens, a CBD product may be an alternative to traditional medication for anxiety. Not all teens benefit from or want to take prescription drugs to manage their symptoms.
In these cases, CBD could offer relief from anxiety without using pharmaceuticals. However, CBD should never replace medical treatment or therapy. It’s best used to supplement traditional anxiety treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
CBD Dosage for Teenage Anxiety
Start Low and Go Slow
When determining a CBD dosage for teen anxiety, the best approach is to start with a low amount and gradually increase until you find the optimal dose.
For most teens, a good starting point is 5 to 10 mg of CBD, taken 1-2 times daily. Afterward, you can increase the dose by 5 mg at a time, waiting at least a week between increases.
Consider the Delivery Method
CBD comes in many forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, gummies, lotions, and vape cartridges. For anxiety, oral forms like oils, capsules, and gummies tend to work the best.
Oils and tinctures give you precise control of the dose, while gummies and tablets are more convenient. But the dosage is fixed. Avoid vaping, as it may lead to lung inflammation.
Find the Right Product
Only purchase CBD products from reputable brands that provide third-party test results showing exactly how much CBD and THC are in the product.
For teens, choose a product made from hemp-derived CBD that contains little to no THC. Broad-spectrum or isolate CBD oils are good options.
Watch for Side Effects
Possible side effects of CBD in teens include drowsiness, appetite changes, and diarrhea. Sometimes that includes interacting with medications. Talk to your doctor before starting CBD, especially if your teen is on regular medications. They can advise you on potential interactions and dosing for your teen’s needs.
Consider Other Treatments Too
CBD may reduce anxiety for some teens, but it is not a cure-all. For the best results, CBD should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Make sure to find ways to support your child’s mental health and help them to engage in positive self-talk.
CBD Side Effects on Teens and Safety Concerns
While CBD shows promise for anxiety relief in teens, it does come with some risks and safety concerns parents should be aware of.
Liver Damage
According to some studies, CBD may cause liver damage in high doses or with long-term use. The liver metabolizes CBD, and too much can overload it. Monitor your teen for symptoms like nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Start with a low dose and slowly increase under guidance from a doctor.
Drowsiness and Dizziness
CBD may cause feelings of sedation, tiredness, and lowered blood pressure in some people. This is more likely when starting CBD or increasing the dose.
Warn your teen about these possible side effects and advise them not to drive or do anything requiring alertness until they know how CBD will affect them.
Interactions with Other Medications
CBD may interact with some prescription medications by affecting how the liver breaks them down. Talk to your teen’s doctor about their medications before starting CBD. The doctor can determine if adjustments or alternatives may be needed.
Addiction and Abuse Potential
Although CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce a “high” feeling, some teens may be prone to misuse it, especially if taking it without parental consent.
Look for signs of increasing doses, withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and loss of interest in activities or relationships. Seek medical advice right away if addiction or abuse is suspected.
Best CBD Products for Teen Anxiety
CBD Oil
CBD oil is one of the most popular options for teen anxiety. Its strengths range from 300 mg up to 5000 mg or more of CBD per bottle.
Start with lower potency, around 300-600 mg, and see how it helps relieve the symptoms. You can then adjust the dosage up or down as needed. CBD oil can be taken as drops placed under the tongue, in food and drinks, or in capsules.
CBD Gummies
If the taste of CBD oil turns you off, CBD gummies are a great alternative. They contain a pre-measured dose of CBD in each gummy, usually ranging from 10-25 mg per piece.
Gummies come in fun shapes and flavors like bears, worms, fruits, and more. They have a candy-like taste and texture but provide the same anxiety-relieving benefits as other CBD products. A dose of 1-2 gummies taken 1-2 times daily is an excellent place to start for teen anxiety.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules contain CBD oil enclosed in a gelatin capsule. They have no taste and are easy to swallow. Capsules typically contain 10-25 mg of CBD each. For anxiety, take 1-2 about 1-2 times a day as needed to relieve your symptoms. They provide longer-lasting effects than oil or gummies because the CBD is released slowly as the capsule dissolves. The downside is that capsules are not ideal if you need relief quickly during an anxiety or panic attack.
In A Nutshell
From one clinical trial to another and several research, the fact that CBD works for anxiety is undeniable. But the research is still emerging.
As with any supplement, you want to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. If you plan to use CBD for anxiety in teenager, talk to a doctor before starting any regimen. That way, you will learn if it’s safe and won’t interact with any medications.
Anxiety is tough, but with the right treatment plan, teens can gain confidence and feel like themselves again.
