A groundbreaking study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research has shed light on the prevalence of commercial cannabidiol (CBD) use among healthy adolescents aged 11-15. The study, led by Natasha Wade, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine, is the first to investigate the use of these products in young, healthy teens.
Underreported Use and Potential Concerns
The researchers analyzed data from more than 11,000 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a large, longitudinal study of healthy adolescents in the United States. They found that 2.8% of participants had used commercial CBD products, with the most common methods of administration being oil/tincture, topical/transdermal, and edible/capsule/pill. However, Dr. Wade believes that this figure may be an underestimate, as parents might not feel comfortable admitting to giving CBD to their children, even if their intentions are to help them.
The study also identified several predictors of commercial CBD use, including older age, having parents with some college education, and certain health conditions, such as sleep problems, mental health symptoms, and physical pain. Additionally, youth with more lenient parental attitudes towards cannabis use were more likely to use commercial CBD products.
Concerns About THC Content and Regulation
One concerning finding from the study was that, for a subsample of teens who underwent hair toxicology testing, 23% of those who used CBD products had THC in their hair. This suggests that some parents may be unknowingly giving their children CBD products that contain THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Dr. Wade noted that this raises concerns about the chemical content of commercial CBD products used by adolescents and highlights the need for regulation to ensure that products contain what their labels claim.
Further Research and the Importance of Communication
In response to the study's findings, Dr. Wade and her team are now working on a broader online survey to investigate why parents are giving CBD to their children and whether they believe it is effective in treating their conditions. The authors also emphasize the importance of clinicians asking about CBD use in their patients and parents being open about their use of CBD products.
Dr. Wade stressed that very little is known about what CBD effectively treats in youth and at what doses, and that there are potential adverse effects associated with its use. She emphasized that the goal of any medical treatment is to ensure the health and well-being of the child, and that open communication with doctors is essential to make the best decisions for each individual child.
The Need for Regulation and Education
As the CBD market continues to grow, the findings of this study underscore the need for increased regulation of commercial CBD products to ensure their safety and accuracy in labeling. Additionally, education for both healthcare professionals and the public about the potential benefits and risks of CBD use in adolescents is crucial to promote informed decision-making and protect the health and well-being of young people.
The vaping industry, which has seen a surge in the popularity of CBD-containing products, should take note of these findings and work to ensure that their products are accurately labeled, safe for use, and not marketed to minors. By prioritizing transparency, safety, and responsible marketing practices, the industry can help to address the concerns raised by this study and contribute to a more informed and health-conscious society.
