CBD has gained increasing attention in recent years, especially for its potential calming, sleep-supporting, and anti-inflammatory properties. Many adults use CBD to help manage issues such as stress, sleep problems, or pain. More and more often, parents are asking: Is CBD oil safe for children and when might it be appropriate?
In this article, you’ll learn what science currently knows about CBD for children, which conditions it has been studied for, what to look for when buying CBD products—and when medical advice is essential.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce an intoxicating “high.” It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in processes such as sleep, mood, inflammatory responses, and stress regulation.
CBD oils or CBD drops for children are typically extracted from hemp containing less than 0.2% THC (1). This means they are considered non-psychoactive and are generally legal in the EU provided they meet quality and purity requirements.
When might CBD be considered for children?
Research on CBD in children is still in its early stages. However, early scientific evidence suggests that CBD oil may offer supportive benefits for certain conditions. It has been studied most extensively in:
Epilepsy
There is solid scientific evidence for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. The approved medicine Epidyolex (Epidiolex) contains purified cannabidiol and is used for severe forms such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Studies show it can significantly reduce seizure frequency (2).
Anxiety and stress
Some studies suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety for example, in social anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (3). Parents also report that their children may sleep more calmly or appear more relaxed after using CBD oil. However, these observations are not conclusively proven and should always be medically supervised.
Sleep problems
Because CBD may have calming effects on the nervous system, it is sometimes used for sleep disturbances. Early research points to potential improvements in sleep quality, particularly when restlessness or anxiety interferes with sleep (4).
Autism spectrum disorders
In smaller studies, children with autism showed improvements in behavior, communication, and sleep. However, these findings are considered preliminary, as large-scale long-term studies are still lacking (5).
Which CBD products are suitable for children?
If parents decide after consulting a physician to use a CBD product, selection should be especially careful. The most common formats include:
CBD oil
- The best-known and most widely used form.
- Typically taken as drops under the tongue (sublingually) or mixed into drinks.
- Easy to dose, though the earthy taste may be unpleasant for some children.
CBD in foods (e.g., CBD gummies)
- Easy to take and usually pleasant in taste.
- Important: Products specifically intended for children should be low in sugar and THC-free.
- For external use, for example with localized discomfort.
- Delivers CBD through the skin (transdermal) without the need to swallow anything.
Tip: Choose only products with a certificate of analysis (COA) confirming CBD content, purity, and THC levels.
What parents should pay attention to
- Quality and purity
Look for products made from organically grown hemp and free from pesticides, heavy metals, and solvent residues (6).
- THC content
CBD products for children should contain no THC. The legal maximum in the EU is 0.2%.
- Correct dosage
There is no universal dosage for children. Dosage should be individualized and always determined under medical supervision. Too much may cause tiredness, diarrhea, or appetite changes.
- Drug interactions
CBD can affect how certain medications work because it may inhibit liver enzymes. If your child takes medication regularly, the doctor should be informed about any CBD use.
- State of research
Even though CBD has been studied extensively in adults, long-term data in children is limited. Therefore, use should always be approached cautiously.
Is CBD oil safe for children?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is considered “generally well tolerated and with a good safety profile” (7).
Known side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as:
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea
- Skin rash (rare)
Serious side effects were observed in studies mainly at high doses—particularly with medical-grade CBD given in combination with other medications.
Legal situation in Europe
In the European Union, hemp-derived CBD is legal as long as THC remains below 0.2%. However, national regulations vary:
In Germany and the Netherlands, the sale of CBD products is legal as long as they do not include medical claims.
Medical products such as Epidyolex require a prescription.
How to choose the right CBD oil for children
If you are looking for a high-quality CBD oil for children, the following criteria should be met:
- Certificate of analysis: Independent lab testing for purity and CBD/THC content.
- Organic hemp: No pesticides or synthetic additives.
- Transparent dosing: Clear statement of CBD amount per drop.
- Good tolerability: Free from artificial flavors or common allergens.
- Reputable manufacturer: Proven experience, positive reviews, and clear product information.
Conclusion: Responsible use is essential
CBD may be supportive for children with certain health concerns especially epilepsy, stress, or sleep disturbances. However:
- It does not replace medical treatment.
- Use should always be medically supervised.
- Quality, purity, and dosage are critical for safety.
By following these principles, parents can use CBD responsibly and ensure it remains a meaningful supplement rather than uncontrolled self-treatment.
Sources
- Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO). Cannabidiol - Fact sheet. https://www.blv.admin.ch/dam/blv/de/dokumente/lebensmittel-und-ernaehrung/rechts-und-vollzugsgrundlagen/merkblatt-produkte-cannabidiol.pdf.download.pdf/cannabidiol-merkblatt-vollzugshilfe-final-de.pdf
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center. Medicinal cannabis (CBD) for childhood epilepsy. 2023. https://www.umcutrecht.nl/nieuws/medicinale-cannabis-cbd-tegen-kinderepilepsie
- Shannon S, Opila-Lehman J. Effectiveness of cannabidiol oil for pediatric anxiety and insomnia as part of PTSD: A case report. The Permanente Journal. 2016;20(4):16-005. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/16-005
- Babson KA, Sottile J, Morabito D. Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(4):23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
- Bar-Lev Schleider L, Mechoulam R, Lederman V, et al. Real life experience of medical cannabis treatment in autism: Analysis of safety and efficacy. Scientific Reports. 2019;9:200. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-36782-y
- ZonMw research project: Cannabidiol in refractory childhood epilepsy. 2025. https://projecten.zonmw.nl/nl/project/cannabidiol-refractory-childhood-epilepsy-personalized-high-quality-approach
- World Health Organization. Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-Review Report. 2018. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/cannabidiol-pre-review.pdf
