In 2018, the Madison Police Department issued a warning to parents that a specific brand of CBD oil was causing teens to pass out and could be dangerous. According to the department, Green Mist Brands of CBD oil caused adverse side effects affecting at least four teenage users. There were no deaths, and all victims recovered. 

That raises the question. Was this an isolated incident? Is CBD bad for teenagers? And what is the recommended age to start using cannabis products?

CBD is a powerful anxiolytic, meaning some parents may consider exposing their young to it. What is vital to remember is, exposing your child to cannabis products can result in criminal consequences, making it vital to consult with a physician and check local laws before you do it. For teenagers to qualify for CBD oil in some states, they must have a qualifying condition such as epilepsy.

Vaping CBD oil: below is everything all parents should know.

• CBD oil does not have the potential for abuse.
• Pure CBD has an excellent safety profile. But it can interact with other medicines and cause fatigue, drowsiness, or other symptoms. 
• The long-term side effects of CBD oil on the young are under investigation.
• Parents should thus avoid use until the long-term side effects are known before exposing cannabinoids to minors.
• Current research suggests that THC and highly potent weed can be damaging to the teenage brain. 
• Vaping CBD oil offers high drug bioavailability. But vaping may come with some health risks for the teenage brain, lungs, and heart.
• If a teen has a qualifying condition (see below), sublingual placement or ingestion is recommended. 

Teen and adult CBD oil consumers should avoid contaminated products. Find safe CBD oil here.

Tip: the side effects of CBD go away if you discontinue use. 

Can I give CBD oil to my 13-year-old?

Depending on state law, if the child has a qualifying condition and you have a recommendation from a medical practitioner, you may give your child CBD oil. It is important to note that CBD extracted from hemp oil is legal across the country because it contains little to no THC. 

CBD extracted from cannabis or marijuana, or any product that contains more than 0.3% THC, by federal definition constitutes marijuana – a schedule 1 substance. A schedule 1 substance, according to the DEA, is a compound that has a high potential for abuse and no accepted use in the medical field. 

Should you give CBD to teens?

As a consequence of America’s continuing war on drugs, the side effects of cannabinoids, including CBD, on the growing mind -that is teens and minors- are yet to be understood. Some studies claim that cannabinoids have a positive impact, and some claim that they can damage or slow down development. 

Additionally, the lack of cannabinoid product regulation means that there is no telling what could be in the product.

For teens, what should be of concern are:

• High-potency weed. With legalization, experiments have led to the emergence of highly potent weed, which some claim increases abuse potential and can be damaging or dangerous to teens. 
• Product quality. Back-alley products may contain synthetic ingredients, including “spice/synthetic weed,” that can cause serious side effects, including psychosis. 
• Vaping can be habit-forming, meaning teens may be at risk of developing cannabis use disorders.
• The risk of drug interactions. If you are on prescription medicine, the use of CBD and other cannabinoids may lead to interactions. 

What are the qualifying conditions for CBD oil in the US if you are a teenager?

Qualifying conditions for cannabinoid access depend on state law. In some states, exposing minors to cannabinoids is a criminal offense, meaning it could be necessary to move to states that have favorable laws, if you have an ailing minor under your care. 

That said.

In some states, one is eligible for a marijuana card if he suffers from conditions including:

• Epileptic seizures. Medical research has established that CBD can reduce the occurrence of seizures and prevent brain damage. The earlier CBD treatment begins, the better the results.
• Autism spectrum disorder. CBD is neuroprotective and can thus protect the brain.
• Cancer. Some studies claim that CBD can slow down the growth of cancerous tumors, and one may use it to counter the side effects of chemotherapy. CBD is not a cure for cancer, but cannabidiol can help improve a patient’s quality of life.
• Inflammatory bowel disease. CBD can relieve or prevent inflammation anywhere in or on the body. 
• Chronic pain. You may qualify if you experience pain for more than 15 days in a month.
• Sickle cell disease. 
• Tourette’s syndrome. 
• Seizures 
• Chronic motor disorder.
• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder. 
• Sleep apnea or insomnia.
• HIV and AIDS. CBD can help prevent nausea, pain, and appetite changes caused by said conditions.
• Glaucoma. 

One may also qualify if he has a terminal illness that has a short life expectancy. 

Other ailments that affect minors and adults may also qualify. We recommend consulting with a physician and checking state laws. 

Is vaping CBD addictive for teens?

According to medical studies, pure CBD does not have an abuse potential because it is non-psychoactive. Cannabidiol does not target the brain’s pleasure and reward system. 

That is not to say that we recommend vaping for teens. 

Vaping poses some threats to pulmonary and circulatory health, and, according to some, it may encourage the consumption of nicotine or other compounds. 

What we do know is:

• CBD can prevent drug-seeking behavior.
• For qualifying teens, the recommended methods of consuming CBD oil are sublingual placement or ingestion. 
• More studies are needed to verify if CBD oil is safe or damaging to teens.

Why vaping is bad for teens?

Apart from possible contamination and the effects vaping has on the body, healthy teens should avoid vaping CBD or other substances because:

• There is no right dose. The FDA is yet to approve CBD as a medicine apart from epilepsy. Additionally, some studies suggest that consuming large amounts of CBD oil can be damaging to the liver. Determining how much CBD you should take given your age and weight, can be problematic. 
• The issue of tolerance. Continued use of CBD oil may cause tolerance. The long-term effect of tolerance development is that one must consume more of the drug to experience the effects. 
• Exposing your child to CBD extracted from cannabis or marijuana may lead to a legal backlash. If your child qualifies, it is safer to use hemp-derived CBD. 

Can CBD cause fainting? 

If you have low blood pressure or are pregnant, CBD oil consumption may cause fainting. What happens is CBD is very effective at lowering blood pressure. That makes it good for persons with high blood pressure and potentially dangerous if you have low blood pressure.

You are at risk of fainting after consuming CBD oil if you suffer from conditions including:

• Severe allergic reactions. Recommend avoiding irritants and testing CBD carrier oil.
• Severe infection may reduce blood pressure.
• Dehydration.
• Circulatory health issues.
• Blood loss.

Indicators of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, and fainting. If you experience said symptoms, it is in your best interest to avoid CBD oil consumption.

What should I do if my teenager is vaping?

Teenagers are different, and they have access to unlimited information. Consequently, becoming antagonistic can have the opposite effect.

What you need to remember is vaping marijuana or nicotine can have dangerous side effects, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances. Explaining the effects to your teen in a calm non-antagonistic manner may be the way to go. One may also seek professional assistance. 

Additionally, minors cannot legally buy CBD or cannabis products, meaning they are at the highest risk of falling victim to synthetic weed such as spice or K2 -which can cause serious side effects, including psychosis.

Signs that a minor under your care may be vaping include:

• Increased occurrence of respiratory issues. Airway infection, shortness of breath, chronic cough, and other respiratory illnesses may stem from vaping or smoking. If your child’s respiratory health takes a turn for the worse, vaping or smoking could be the issue.  Other signs include changes in sleep patterns and increased thirst. If you are unsure of the cause of said changes, you should consult with a physician.
•  Changes in school performance. Vaping or smoking THC, synthetic weed, or nicotine at a young age may lead to performance drops or disinterest in school or learning. CBD has yet to be proven to cause said effects, but it is safer for teens to wait until they turn 21 before use.

Is it bad for a 14-year-old to vape?

Existing medical data suggests that the recommended age at which persons should start using cannabis or any of its extracts is 21. Why? At 21, the brain is fully developed, meaning substance use is not likely to cause developmental issues. 

What are the dangers of vaping at a young age?

The dangers of vaping depend on the substance and method.

You want to avoid vaping products that contain harmful ingredients or compounds, including pesticides, vitamin E acetate, or other dangerous substances. Remember, in your teenage years, the brain, lungs, and heart are developing.

Consumption of substances that hinder development can have lifelong consequences.

That is to say:

• Avoid vaping or smoking CBD oil if you are young and healthy. If you have a qualifying condition, work with a health practitioner to find a suitable dose and method of ingestion.
• Some CBD product labels are misleading. Meaning they may contain high levels of THC or other compounds. If your child qualifies, you should source CBD products from reliable vendors.

CBD gummies for teenage anxiety. 

Existing medical data suggest that CBD oil is useful in the treatment or management of mild to severe anxiety. Should I give CBD gummies to a teenager?

It depends on what the doctors say and the laws of your state. In some states, severe anxiety is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. However, you may need approval from a medical practitioner before administration.

What we know:

• Animal and human trials show that CBD can reduce anxiety levels and promote confidence. That is according to a study on the effects of CBD on social anxiety/public speaking. More studies are needed to verify these claims.
• CBD may be useful in the treatment of multiple anxiety disorders, including chronic anxiety. 
• According to an Israeli study, medical cannabis may reduce behavior problems in children living with autism. 

Is CBD oil safe for kids and minors?

Like all substances, CBD has risks and benefits. Currently, the effects CBD and other cannabinoids have on the teenage or developing mind and body -are yet to be fully understood. Because of that, it is advisable to wait until more studies come out or to consult with a health practitioner before exposing a minor to cannabinoids.