Poll: A third of parents think consuming CBD is the same as cannabis

By Nina Zdinjak

About 80% of parents confirmed they knew little to nothing about CBD use in children, according to a recent survey by the University of Michigan’s CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

More specifically, around 46% admitted they don’t know much about it, while 34% have never heard of CBD use in children. The survey surveyed a national sample of parents of children between the ages of 3 and 18.

Photo by Thanit Weerawan/Getty Images

Just these few stats from the survey show how much educational support is needed to better understand this new industry.

The survey also revealed that 17% are at some level familiar with CBD use in children, while only 3% said they know a lot.

More survey highlights

• A whopping 71% said they have never used a CBD product themselves, 24% have tried it, and 5% say they use CBD products regularly.
• For parents, the top factors to consider when deciding whether to give their children a CBD product are 1) side effects – 83%; 2) when tested for safety in children – 78%; 3) efficiency in children – 72%; 4) recommendation of the pediatrician – 63%; 5) US Food and Drug Administration approval – 58%; and 6) product testing – 41%.
• 73% of parents believe CBD could be a viable alternative for children when other therapeutics are not effective.
• A third of parents (35%) mistake CBD use for cannabis use.
• The most common reasons parents would consider giving CBD products to their children are: 1) anxiety – 51%; 2) sleep problems – 40%; 3) ADHD – 33%; 4) muscle pain – 20%; 5) autism – 19%; and 6) making their children feel better in general – 13%.
• Out of 7% of parents who have given their child a CBD product, or were just considering it, only a third consulted their child’s doctor about it.
• 3 out of 4 parents agreed CBD for children should require a doctor’s prescription.
• Although up to 83% of parents say CBD products should be regulated by the FDA, only 58% agree that FDA approval would be very important in their decision to give a CBD product to their child.

Parents should consult with doctors

The lack of studies on CBD use in children makes it very difficult for doctors to recommend these products, Sarah Clark, co-director of the survey, said in an interview with CTV News. Clark is also a Research Scientist in the Division of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation.

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“It’s not enough to just address manufacturers’ claims, we actually need some data behind them, and right now we just don’t have enough,” Clark said.

dr Jennifer Griffith, an assistant professor of neurology and pediatrics in the division of pediatric neurology at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, agreed.

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“I do not recommend CBD for conditions other than epilepsy because I know that CBD has real risks and I have no evidence of any proven benefits,” said Dr. Griffith to CTV News.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.