If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve already done “all the right things” for your struggling child. You’ve checked sleep, cut sugar, tried fish oil, vitamin D, calming herbs, essential oils, maybe even therapy and school support — but your child is still anxious, moody, or just not feeling like themselves.
You’ve seen CBD for kids for sale. Maybe you’ve heard from a friend that they’re thinking of trying it themselves. You may have also seen parents posting about their experiences in support groups and discussion threads for specific developmental issues.
So now you’re wondering: Could CBD actually help my child, or is it just another dead end?
In our stores and online, we regularly talk with parents who are wondering the same thing.
You deserve safe, clear, trustworthy support instead of guesswork. That’s why we created this guide: to help you answer all your questions, all in one place.
Defining CBD: What it Is, What it Isn’t, and Why it Matters
Let’s start with what CBD actually is. CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in hemp that works with your child’s endocannabinoid system — a body-wide network involved in mood, sleep, stress response, and more. CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it does not make your child feel “high” like THC does.
Right now, the strongest research for CBD in children is concentrated on certain seizure disorders. Specific prescription CBD medications are currently being used to provide relief from seizures. For concerns like anxiety, mood, behavior, and sleep, the research continues to grow — and continues to show promising results.
It’s important to mention, too, what CBD is not: it’s not a cure-all or a replacement for proper medical care, evaluations, or therapy. Think of CBD as a helpful tool in your home wellness cabinet.
The Questions Every Parent Asks Before Trying CBD (And Our Honest Answers)
If you’re feeling nervous even thinking about CBD for your child, we have a confession: so were we! Like any parents, we are fiercely protective of our little ones.
During the time we started doing our research in earnest, there was not a wealth of information available. There was also no real safe space to ask the really hard questions that we needed answers to. Questions like:
- Is CBD appropriate for children of all ages?
- How would I know if it could benefit my child?
- I would never want to give my child anything that could hurt them: How do I make sure it’s safe?
- What is actually different about a kids-specific CBD formula compared to an adult product?
But that has changed today — there is a growing body of research about CBD and, more specifically, about CBD for kids. Our goal remains the same: to connect parents to reputable, well-researched studies and provide foundational knowledge to help them answer any questions they might have without exception. Then, if it’s a fit, we can point you to the same kids’ CBD options we would — and do! — feel comfortable giving to our own family.
Types of CBD for Kids (and Why Kid-Specific Formulas Matter)
Even if you know nothing about CBD, you've probably noticed that not all CBD products are labeled the same. Understanding the basic types is crucial for keeping your child safe — because when it comes to kids, we only recommend one type: CBD isolate.
CBD isolate is pure CBD with all other cannabinoids (including THC) completely removed. Parents, pediatric providers, and industry-leading experts prefer isolate for children because it delivers the benefits of CBD without even a trace of THC.
But what about the other types you might see?
You may encounter two other types of CBD while researching — neither of which we recommend for children:
- Broad-spectrum CBD (not for kids): Contains CBD plus other plant compounds, processed to remove detectable THC. While it may offer a "teamwork" effect from multiple cannabinoids, the potential for trace THC and the complexity of multiple compounds makes it inappropriate for children.
- Full-spectrum CBD (not for kids): Contains CBD plus other cannabinoids, including up to 0.3% THC (the legal limit). This is strictly an adult product. We would only consider full-spectrum for children under direct guidance from a knowledgeable healthcare provider in very specific circumstances.
Why does this matter? Because if you're shopping around, you need to know what to look for — and more importantly, what to avoid. If a product doesn't clearly state "CBD isolate," it's not appropriate for your child.
Why Not Just Use Adult CBD in a Smaller Dose?
We get this question a lot. Here's the thing: kids' formulas aren't just about dosage — they're specifically designed for children's needs:
- Precise dosing: CBD isolate at a concentration that makes measuring tiny amounts (like 5-10 mg) actually realistic
- Simple, clean ingredients: Just CBD isolate from organic hemp, organic MCT oil, and natural flavoring — nothing else
- Kid-friendly flavors: Chocolate or other appealing options that eliminate dosing battles and make daily use sustainable for both parent and child
For that reason, we don't ever recommend giving children an adult dose of CBD, no matter how small, unless specifically directed to by a doctor.
What Makes a CBD “Reputable” (and Why That Matters So Much for Kids)
Here’s the truth: the biggest risks with CBD often come from bad products, not from CBD itself. The FDA has regulations in place designed to guide CBD manufacturers, and for brands that take the science seriously, parents can trust they are getting a quality supplement.
But the marketplace is full of sellers, some less reputable than others. Those improperly labeled oils, oils pressed at home by hobbyists, and uncertified supplements are exactly what we want to protect your child from.
A reputable CBD for kids should check these boxes:
- Third-party lab testing: An independent lab verifies how much CBD is really in the bottle and screens for heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbes. You should be able to view a Certificate of Analysis (COA) easily – all of the CBD products on The Healthy Place have a clearly labeled and easy-to-view COA facts, for instance.
- Clear, honest labeling: You can see how many milligrams of CBD are in the entire bottle and per serving, what type of CBD it is (isolate, broad, or full-spectrum), and exactly what’s in the ingredient list.
- Child-appropriate dosing: The product makes it realistic to measure small amounts accurately — for example, Wild Theory’s kids blend is 1000 mg in 1 fluid ounce, with a suggested serving of 0.5 mL up to several times a day.
- Good manufacturing practices (GMP): CBD is produced in facilities that follow strict safety and quality standards, not in someone’s garage.
In our stores and online, we heavily vet each of the CBD products we carry so you don’t have to. If we wouldn’t give it to our own families, it doesn’t go on the shelf.
What Symptoms Can CBD for Kids Help With?
When parents come to us asking about CBD for their children, they're usually looking for support with specific challenges. Often, these parents have children who haven't fully responded to other interventions. They’re turning to CBD for relief from common childhood issues such as:
- Anxiety and Social Stress: Many children struggle with persistent worry, social anxiety, or difficulty managing everyday stressors. Parents describe their children as seeming "on edge," having trouble with transitions, or experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety like stomach aches before school. Recent research shows promising results for CBD in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents, with some studies showing 40–45% reductions in anxiety when CBD is used alongside standard therapy.
- Sleep Disturbances: Treatment-resistant sleep issues are among the top reasons parents explore CBD. These include difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, early morning waking, or generally restless sleep that doesn't improve with typical sleep hygiene strategies. Clinical reports have documented stable improvements in children's sleep quality using low doses of CBD after conventional approaches failed.
- Behavioral Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Parents of children with ASD often turn to CBD to help manage irritability, aggression, severe hyperactivity, or self-injurious behaviors. Research from 2025 showed that CBD cannabis extracts significantly enhanced social responsiveness and reduced disruptive behaviors in children with ASD. The CASCADE trial specifically investigated CBD's efficacy for treating irritability and aggressive behavior in youth with autism.
- ADHD Symptoms: Children with ADHD — especially those who also have an ASD diagnosis — may benefit from CBD for managing hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. A January 2026 study found that CBD-rich cannabis oil may reduce these core ADHD symptoms in children already diagnosed with ASD.
- Mood Regulation and Emotional Dysregulation: Some children experience intense mood swings, emotional outbursts, or difficulty recovering from upsets that seem out of proportion to the trigger. Parents often describe their children as having a "short fuse" or being unable to regulate their emotions effectively, even with therapeutic support in place.
- General Restlessness and Sensory Overwhelm: For some children, the world simply feels like "too much" most of the time. These kids may be sensitive to sensory input, struggle to settle their bodies and minds, or seem chronically overstimulated despite a calm, structured environment.
How to Use CBD for Kids Wisely
Even with a reputable product, how you use CBD matters. To get the best results, we recommend following these simple tips from manufacturers and physicians.
- Start low, go slow: Begin at or even below the suggested serving size. Stay at a low dose for at least a week before making small adjustments, and always keep your child’s provider in the loop.
- Track changes: Keep a simple log of mood, sleep, focus, appetite, and any side effects. Look for gentle improvements — less edge, easier transitions, smoother evenings — rather than dramatic overnight changes.
- Make it part of a routine: Many parents give CBD at the same time as other supplements (like omega-3s or vitamin D) or anchor it to predictable times, such as before school or bedtime.
- Keep expectations realistic: CBD should help your child feel more like their best self, not like a different person. If you notice concerning changes or no benefit at all, pause and talk with your provider.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
If you’re at the “we’ve tried everything” stage, your heart is probably tired. You want to protect your child, respect the science, and still hold onto hope that something gentle could help them feel better.
That’s exactly why we’re here.
Our family-run team and Certified Wellness Consultants are available in-store and online to answer your questions, look at your child’s current routine, and help you decide whether CBD 一 even kids-specific CBD 一 is a good fit right now. There are no “silly” questions here, especially when it comes to your kids.
If you and your child’s provider agree CBD is worth trying, we have some incredible options that are a safe, kid-friendly place to start. You can shop these and other carefully vetted kids’ CBD options for kids on our website or stop by one of our stores.
Research Studies
CBD for Kids with Anxiety, Sleep Issues, ASD, and ADHD
Recent research from 2019 through 2026 has expanded beyond general wellness to focus on specific pediatric applications, particularly for neurodevelopmental and anxiety-related conditions.
Pediatric Anxiety and Sleep
Social Anxiety in Adolescents
A 2019 study from Japan found that adolescents with social anxiety disorder who took 300 mg of CBD daily experienced significantly greater reductions in anxiety scores compared to a placebo group over four weeks.[1]
Treatment-Resistant Anxiety in Young People
An open-label study observed a 40–45% reduction in anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with treatment-resistant anxiety receiving up to 800 mg of CBD daily alongside standard therapy.[2]
Sleep and Anxiety in Children with PTSD
Clinical case reports have documented improvements in children's sleep quality and anxiety symptoms using CBD after conventional medications failed.[3]
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD
Behavioral Improvements in ASD
A meta-analysis presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry revealed that CBD cannabis extracts significantly enhanced social responsiveness and reduced disruptive behaviors in children with ASD.[4]
ADHD Symptoms in Children with ASD
A January 2026 study in Current Neuropharmacology found that CBD-rich cannabis oil may reduce ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and inattention, in children already diagnosed with ASD.[5]
CASCADE Trial: Irritability and Aggression
The CASCADE trial, which completed its primary phase in 2024, specifically investigated the efficacy of oral CBD (10 mg/kg/day) for treating irritability and aggressive behavior in youth with autism.[6]
Ongoing Clinical Trials
UCSD Autism Trial
This double-blind crossover trial is testing whether CBD can reduce self-harm and severe hyperactivity in boys ages 7–14 with autism.[8]
NYU Langone Study
Researchers are currently examining how CBD affects children ages 7–17 who have dual diagnoses of ASD and ADHD, focusing on how benefits build over time.[9]
Safety and Side Effects in Children
General Tolerability
Research through 2025 indicates that CBD is generally well-tolerated in pediatric populations.[4][5][7]
Common Mild Effects
The most frequent side effects reported include fatigue, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.[2][6][7]
References
- Masataka, N. (2019). Anxiolytic Effects of Repeated Cannabidiol Treatment in Teenagers With Social Anxiety Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2466. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02466/full
- Berger, M., et al. (2022). Cannabidiol for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety Disorders in Young People: An Open-Label Trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 83(5), 21m14254. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/cannabidiol-treatment-resistant-anxiety-disorders-young-people-open-label-trial/
- Shannon, S., & Opila-Lehman, J. (2016). Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. The Permanente Journal, 20(4), 16-005. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/
- Cappelletti Beneti Branco, L., De Oliveira, I.B., Alves, G.A.M., et al. (2025). Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Cannabis Extracts for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Presented at the European Congress of Psychiatry, European Psychiatry, 68(S1), S140. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1079031
- Aran, A., et al. (2026). CBD-Rich Cannabis Therapy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder May Improve Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: An Open-Label Study. Current Neuropharmacology (January 2026). https://norml.org/news/2026/01/15/cbd-rich-cannabis-extracts-reduce-adhd-symptoms-in-children-with-autism
- Sannar, E.M., Winter, J.R., Franke, R.K., et al. (2024). Cannabidiol for treatment of Irritability and Aggressive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with ASD: Background and Methods of the CASCADE Study. medRxiv preprint. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.12.24311894v1
- Arnold, L.E., et al. (2025). Cannabidiol (CBD) Treatment for Severe Problem Behaviors in Autistic Boys: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (May 2025). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-025-06884-y
- Trauner, D. (Principal Investigator). Cannabidiol to Treat Severe Behavior Problems in Children With Autism. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04517799. https://clinicaltrials.ucsd.edu/trial/NCT04517799
- NYU Langone Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Cannabidiol for Children with Autism and ADHD Study (ongoing). https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/child-adolescent-psychiatry/research/neurodevelopmental-autism-spectrum-disorders/cbd-children-autism-adhd-study
