ADHD and CBD Oil: Is Cannabidiol Safe for Kids?
Over the last several years there have been many anecdotal cases of individuals experiencing positive results when using cannabidiol (CBD) to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This has lead the medical community to start investigating CBD oil and its potential uses for kids with ADHD. While there’s still a lot of research that needs to be performed, the early results are promising.
The possible benefits of CBD oil are well documented when it comes to chronic pain conditions and anxiety, but when it comes to conditions that impact children, like ADHD, the research landscape becomes a bit murkier. Recently though, a growing number of parents are beginning to consider CBD oil as a reasonable, more natural, way to help their children find relief from ADHD symptoms.
Research into the uses of CBD oil for children is sparse but that does not mean it does not exist—here’s what you need to know.
Is Cannabidiol Safe for Kids?
Scientific data about CBD oil for children is limited due in part to the stigma and legal issues that surround the use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products. Pair this with the ethical quagmire of performing scientific tests on children, and you get the largely unexplored field of study that is CBD oil’s effects on kids.
So, it can be difficult to say definitively whether or not CBD oil is okay for children to use, but early research seems to show CBD oil may be safe for kids.
A review published in The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics reported a number of cases in which CBD oil has been documented to help children suffering from a range of medical conditions, including some behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD. In addition, CBD oil is currently being used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in children, indicating that it is, at least in some cases, safe for kids to use.
The World Health Organisation has also stated that CBD oil does not produce the intoxicating effects that are seen with other cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and that CBD was well tolerated with a “good safety profile” in a number of trials.
As with any other course of treatment, particularly where children are concerned, always speak to a healthcare professional before making any decisions. CBD oil has been known to interact with other medications, so having a discussion with your child’s physician is crucial before using CBD as a treatment.
Why Use CBD Oil for Children with ADHD?
While there are several types of pharmaceutical medications aimed at treating ADHD, they vary in suitability, reliability, and tolerability.
Two of the most popular medications prescribed for kids with ADHD are Ritalin and Adderall. These medications are stimulant- and amphetamine-based, which may yield side effects like anxiety and sleeplessness, two things that have been found to actually worsen ADHD.
Additional side effects associated with Ritalin include:
- Nervousness.
- Insomnia.
- Dizziness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Increased heart rate.
- Weight loss.
- Mood changes.
- Psychosis.
And commonly reported, negative side effects of Adderall include:
- Nervousness.
- Insomnia.
- Dizziness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Increased heart rate.
- Weight loss.
- Mood changes.
- Psychosis.
CBD oil does not produce any of the negative side effects listed above. In fact, CBD oil has been known to:
- Reduce anxiety.
- Regain appetite.
- Act as a sleep aid.
- Reduce nausea.
- Reduce headaches.
- Improve mood.
- Promote relaxation.
In short, CBD oil may help parents avoid the unpleasant side effects associated with traditional ADHD medications, while also reducing their child’s symptoms.
How Does CBD Oil Impact ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions amongst kids in the U.S., affecting an estimated 1 in 12 children. It often involves a range of disruptive behavioural symptoms including the inability to focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Given the prevalence of ADHD and the side effects associated with more traditional medications, it’s no surprise that parents are looking for alternative treatments like CBD oil.
CBD and THC are the most commonly discussed phytocannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant. While both have therapeutic benefits, CBD is a more popular choice for medical use due to its lack of intoxicating properties—in other words, CBD will not get you high.
CBD oil interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, impacting various receptors including those that regulate inflammation and pain. But CBD oil’s effects are not limited to the endocannabinoid system; CBD can have indirect effects in other areas of the body as well.
Non-cannabinoid receptors, like serotonin and dopamine receptors, are also impacted by CBD oil. CBD oil works to prevent the re-uptake of these neurotransmitters, reducing anxiety levels and combating insomnia. In fact, studies have shown it that simply increasing sleep and reducing anxiety can actually help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
CBD Oil Dosage for Children with ADHD
Unfortunately, dosage can be tricky to sort out. Because the impact of CBD oil can depend on factors like weight, size, age, and gender, there is no universal dose.
Orally ingested CBD oil is the most common delivery method for children. With options like
CBD oil drops, capsules, and even CBD gummies, there’s a product to suit everyone’s needs.
Because there is no universal dose for CBD oil, it is important to seek medical advice before you start administering it as a treatment. Most of the serving recommendations on CBD oil products have been created with adults in mind and certain adjustments may be required for children.
For a general understanding of CBD oil dosage, take a look at our dosage guide. You can also speak with a naturopathic doctor who specializes in using CBD oil to treat certain medical conditions.
To determine if CBD oil is the best solution for you and your child, continue to do your research and talk to your physician. Together you can decide if CBD oil is the right choice for your child.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy:
- CBD oil and Fertility: What You Need To Know
- Can CBD Oil Get You High?
- Common Health Benefits of CBD
- Is CBD for Pets?
Learn More About Diseases, Conditions, and CBD Oil

ALS & CBD Oil: Promising Research on Cannabinoids & Buying Tips
Learn More

Acne and CBD Oil: Research, Benefits, and Product Advice
Learn More

ADHD & CBD Oil: A Possible Alternative to Stimulants
Learn More

Addiction, Withdrawal, & CBD Oil: Groundbreaking Research & Finding the Right Product
Learn More

Autism and CBD Oil Current Research, Benefits: Is It Right for Your Child?
Learn More

Antidepressants and CBD Oil Interaction
Learn More

Antihistamines and CBD Oil Interaction: Side Effects and More
Learn More

Antibiotics and CBD Oil: Safe to Take Together?
Learn More

Asthma and CBD Oil: Can It Help You Breathe Easier?
Learn More

Alzheimer’s Disease and CBD Oil: Can It Help Dementia?
Learn More

Anxiety and CBD Oil: What You Need to Know
Learn More

Broken Bones & CBD Oil: Reducing Pain & Building Bone Strength
Learn More

Bipolar Disorder & CBD Oil: Potential to Help with Depressive Episodes
Learn More

Blood Thinners and CBD Oil Interaction
Learn More

Bacterial Infections and CBD Oil: An Alternative to Antibiotics?
Learn More

Breast Cancer and CBD Oil: Current Research and Potential Benefits
Learn More

Beta Blockers and CBD Oil Interaction
Learn More

Blood Pressure Medication and CBD Oil Interaction
Learn More

Concussions & CBD Oil: What to Know About the Research & Best Products
Learn More

CBD Oil for Hair Loss
Learn More

Cold Medicine and CBD Oil: Potential Side Effects and Benefits
Learn More

Crohn’s Disease and CBD Oil: Current Research and Benefits
Learn More

Cancer and CBD Oil: Current Research and Potential Benefits
Learn More

Common Health Benefits of CBD (Cannabidiol)
Learn More

Dyskinesia & CBD Oil: Breakthrough Studies & Buying Tips
Learn More

Diabetes & CBD Oil: Benefits & Research for Type 1 & Type 2
Learn More

Dravet Syndrome and CBD Oil: Managing Childhood Epilepsy
Learn More

Depression and CBD Oil: Benefits, Effectiveness, and Dosage
Learn More

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatments: Can CBD Oil Help?
Learn More

Essential Tremor & CBD Oil: A Landmark Clinical Trial & Buying Tips
Learn More

Epilepsy and CBD Oil: How It Works and What You Should Know
Learn More

Fibromyalgia & CBD Oil: Research, Benefits, & Finding the Right Product
Learn More

Gut Health and CBD Oil: A Complete Guide
Learn More

HIV/AIDS and CBD Oil: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Learn More

Heart Disease & CBD Oil: Research & Benefits for Cardiovascular Health
Learn More

Huntington's Disease & CBD Oil: Possible Neuroprotection & Motor Control
Learn More

High Blood Pressure and CBD Oil: Managing Hypertension
Learn More

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and CBD Oil: Research, Benefits, Product Recommendations
Learn More

Immunity and CBD Oil: Does Cannabidiol Help or Hurt the Immune System?
Learn More

Insomnia and CBD Oil: A Better Night's Sleep
Learn More

Inflammation and CBD Oil: Benefits, Effectiveness, and Dosage
Learn More

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and CBD Oil: Finding Relief
Learn More

Joint Pain and CBD Oil: Relief from Chronic Inflammation and Flare-Ups
Learn More

Kidney Disease & CBD Oil: Research on Symptoms & Possible Benefits
Learn More

Liver Disease & CBD Oil: Risks, Benefits, & Research
Learn More

Lupus & CBD Oil: Research on Effectiveness & Finding the Right Product
Learn More

Lithium and CBD Oil Interaction
Learn More

Metabolic Syndrome & CBD Oil: Addressing Multiple Conditions
Learn More

Motion Sickness & CBD Oil: Research on Nausea & Buying Tips
Learn More

Mad Cow Disease & CBD Oil: Research & Controversy on Neuroprotective Uses
Learn More

Muscle Spasms and CBD Oil: Relief from Cramps and Pain
Learn More

Melatonin and CBD Oil: Can It Help You Sleep Better?
Learn More

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and CBD Oil: Benefits, Effectiveness, and Dosage
Learn More

Migraine Headaches and CBD Oil: Benefits, Effectiveness, and Dosage
Learn More

Neurodegeneration & CBD Oil: Can It Rebuild & Reverse the Damage?
Learn More

Nausea and CBD Oil: Research, Benefits, and Dosage
Learn More

Osteoporosis & CBD Oil: Best Products & Research on Building Bone Density
Learn More

OCD & CBD Oil: Tackling Anxiety & Finding the Best Products
Learn More

Obesity & CBD Oil: Research on Managing Appetite & Transforming Fat
Learn More

Psoriasis and CBD Oil: Relief That's More Than Skin Deep
Learn More

Pain Relievers and CBD Oil: Possible Side Effects and Interactions
Learn More

Parkinson's Disease and CBD Oil: Current Research and Potential Benefits
Learn More

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and CBD Oil: Women's New Best Friend
Learn More

PTSD and CBD Oil: A Therapeutic Alternative?
Learn More

Pain Relief and CBD Oil: Easing Joint, Muscle, & Back Pain
Learn More

Rheumatoid Arthritis and CBD Oil: Benefits, Effectiveness, and Dosage
Learn More

Sickle Cell Anemia and CBD Oil: Effects on Pain & the Immune System
Learn More

Schizophrenia & CBD Oil: Overview of Research, Benefits, & Best Products
Learn More

Sunburns & CBD Oil: Fighting Inflammation & Repairing the Skin
Learn More

Spinal Cord Injuries & CBD Oil: Addressing Chronic Pain & Depression
Learn More

Stress and CBD Oil: Can CBD Provide Relief?
Learn More

Traumatic Brain Injuries & CBD Oil: Can It Help You Heal Faster?
Learn More