Did you know that medical marijuana effectively treats children with specific disorders? If you’re considering using cannabis to help your child, read on to learn more about how it may assist you.
What is Medical Marijuana?
People used marijuana as a medical treatment for centuries until the 1900s, when it was banned. Now, medical cannabis is legal in more than 36 states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia.
Medical marijuana can be smoked, ingested in food, or vaporized. However, we suggest option 2 (ingestion in food) for children. Some parents are also giving their children medical marijuana in the form of oil or tinctures.
You can use medical marijuana treatment for multiple medical conditions, including cancer, seizures, and chronic pain. In addition, some parents are giving their children medical marijuana to treat conditions such as autism, ADHD, and Tourette Syndrome.
Medical Marijuana Use In Children
Is Medical Marijuana Safe for Children? Unfortunately, there is limited research on the safety of medical marijuana for children. Some studies have shown that marijuana can effectively treat medical conditions in children. However, marijuana can also cause adverse effects, such as anxiety and addiction.
If you would like to use medical marijuana for your child, consult your pediatrician. Ask about the risks and benefits of using medical marijuana and discuss other treatment options.
Now, let’s take a look at a few of the medical conditions found in children that cannabis might be able to help with.
Can Cannabis Help Autism In Children?
There is some anecdotal evidence that medical cannabis can help children with autism. In addition, some studies showed that children who used medical marijuana had improved communication and social skills.
However, more research is needed to determine if medical marijuana is an effective treatment for autism. For now, it may be better to consult with your pediatrician.
Medical Marijuana and ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a mental disorder that usually becomes evident during childhood. The main symptoms are difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD, medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for some people who suffer from the disorder.
Some studies looked at medical marijuana use in children with ADHD. They found that after four months of treatment with medical marijuana, the children’s symptoms improved significantly. In addition, the parents of the children also reported a significant improvement in their children’s overall behavior.
Can Weed Help Epilepsy In Children?
Anecdotal reports and some scientific studies suggest that medical cannabis can help children suffering from epilepsy. In June 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved medical marijuana to treat epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder identified by seizures, which can cause various symptoms, including uncontrolled movements, changes in mood or awareness, and a loss of consciousness. Some of the causes of epilepsy are head injuries, stroke, and genetic disorders.
There is no cure for epilepsy, but several treatments can help control seizures. Some of these treatments include medication, surgery, and dietary changes.
Unfortunately, these treatments do not work for some children or cause harmful side effects. However, parents can use medical cannabis in these cases. Even though there is not a lot of research done to support that marijuana can assist children with epilepsy, there have been positive results in the bit of research done.
Final Word
Like most people, you probably have many questions about medical marijuana. We hope this article has helped to answer some of them. But if you still have questions or want to learn more, we encourage you to sign up for our online courses. You can also read more insights on our blog to explore the world of medical marijuana further.
