BY MASHA BELINSON

“Do what you have to do to find comfort for your kids. Give as much CBD as they need for as long as they need. Wean them off when things become stable,”

My wise friend and mother, Jen Nayak.

Kids are home staring at screens all day thanks to COVID. My 15-year-old son is one of them. He has very little structure and moves from staring at video games, to his phone, to the computer. By evening, he’s on a blue-light high and struggles to fall asleep. He’s bored during the day, jittery at night, and anxious for normalcy. And he’s not alone. Now more than ever, kids need a dose of calm, yet most mothers are unaware of how CBD can help.

I give my son CBD at night to help him sleep, but there are a variety of methods and reasons to take CBD. Whether kids are dealing with social stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or other mental and physical ailments, I’ve personally seen the incredible ways in which CBD can make a positive impact on their health and wellness.

CBD is one of hemp’s miracle compounds, and I want to spread awareness to moms everywhere who are concerned about improving the wellbeing of their children.

But first, what is CBD exactly?

  • One of the most prevalent natural compounds in hemp and cannabis, CBD interacts with internal receptors to support balance throughout the body.
  • CBD is clinically proven to treat certain forms of epilepsy. The FDA approved drug is called Epidiolex.
  • Through clinical research, CBD has been identified as a proven anti-inflammatory compound that can help manage anxiety, pain and depression symptoms, and lessen the side effects of cancer treatments.
  • CBD is most commonly infused into oils, but for most people CBD gummies and beverages are the most convenient options.
  • CBD is non-toxic, well-tolerated, and generally considered safe, although the FDA is currently investigating to confirm the safest dosage and delivery method.
  • CBD is non-psychoactive, so it will not get a person high.

What to do before giving CBD to your kids

CBD’s safety, efficacy, and non-psychoactive properties make it an ideal tool for natural healing. But that doesn’t mean mothers should grab the first bottle they find and recommend it to their children. Parents should become subject matter experts and experiment with CBD before giving it to their kids.
My wise friend Jen Nayak says it best: “Every time I’ve considered giving one of my kids an alternative healing supplement, I’ve tried it first.”

Jen’s 16-year-old son Ravi was diagnosed with Split Brain Syndrome at birth. As a result, he suffers from non-verbal Autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, migraines, gut health issues, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia. He also deals with PTSD as a result of his father’s death in 2016.

At ten years old, Ravi wasn’t on prescription medication yet, but he struggled mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally. Jen knew she needed to find a source of relief. So, she crossed her fingers upon entering a new holistic store in South Florida. Luckily, the store owners were knowledgeable and that day Jen walked out with her first bottle of CBD oil.

“This was before CBD’s popularity and wellness retreats. No one knew about CBD in 2014. The owners of the shop sat me down for a long talk. They explained how third-party laboratories tested their products to ensure quality and safety. They also talked about the value of full-spectrum CBD oils and the therapeutic terpenes they contain. It was so helpful to be in a safe space with experts,” Jen says.
Jen went home and began taking the supplement to feel its effects.

“I started slow and low because the expense goes up considerably at higher dosages. I also felt it was crucial to know what the experience feels like from beginning to end before giving it to my kid.”

Jen also scoured the web, read countless studies, and attended seminars to learn more about CBD.
I believe Jen’s approach is the best model for mothers who don’t have a strong background in hemp and cannabis. Whether it’s from a local health store, medical dispensary, online forums, or clinical studies, mothers need to do their due diligence before administering and talking to their kids about CBD.

“The industry is filled with content. It’s ironic, because I can barely find information about the prescription drugs my son takes, but I can get so much information about CBD and how it works,” Jen says.

How should mothers talk to their children about CBD?

Every child is different, and age matters. But generally speaking, kids don’t care all that much about the science behind CBD. In fact, they may even be turned off by the fact that CBD comes from cannabis, yet it doesn’t get them high. My son used to say, “Well, what’s the point then?” But, know that when they’re feeling bad, they want a solution. And every mother wants to give them one.

1 Share the information you think is relevant.
“Give kids an explanation that talks about concepts they understand, like pain and feeling scared. Relay the details that identify a problem and solution, and tailor the conversation around that,” Jen says.

2 Tell them it’s going to make them feel better.
Mothers should ask their children about the symptoms they’re feeling and tell them that CBD can help. This collaboration helps give children the autonomy to ask for what they need. “I’ll say things to Ravi like; this will help the pain in your tummy. Kids care about the outcome. Not how it works and why,” Jen shares.

3 Ask them to set an intention.
I believe in the power of setting intentions, which can be a fun way to introduce CBD to kids. By asking them to repeat a word like calm, happy or painless, you empower them to affirm their health along with taking the CBD.

4 Explain that the effects of CBD can take a few hours to kick in.
CBD can kick in immediately if it’s inhaled or absorbed through the skin. But kids generally prefer CBD gummies or beverages, which taste delicious, but can take up to a few hours to work.

5 Explain they may need to try a few different gummies
Mothers have to prepare their children for the trial and error that comes along with CBD. Before giving their children CBD, they should explain it might make them calm and relaxed. Or, it might not make a difference right away. They may need to try a different blend. But along the way, they’ll have fun taste-testing gummies and letting you know which product makes them feel the best.

CBD is not an isolated cure-all. But it is an essential ingredient in the recipe for whole-body health that also includes vitamins, exercise, and mental stimulation. CBD can be expensive at high dosages, but it’s much more affordable than the process of acquiring Adderall and antidepressants, and it doesn’t come with an endless list of side effects. Plus, kids can quickly taper off CBD when they don’t need it anymore.

CBD is a solution that has benefits beyond pharmaceuticals, and every mother should remain open to the possibility.

In her role with ACS Laboratory, Masha Belinson oversees marketing, strategic partnerships, education. She manages content strategy, SEO/PPC, lead-generation, acquisition and retention. She brings all her passion and experience to cannabis. Working across the business for both cannabis and hemp compliance she stays on top of legal, scientific and commercial developments, helping to drive web traffic and sales.