I have noticed an increase in childhood addictive behaviors that are being encouraged by parents. With the advent of CBD Gummy Bears (cannibidiol) as "over the counter" parents are self-medicating their children in an effort to reduce emotional dysregulation and gain control over their children. This is highly not recommended as it sets up the kids for failure. One article reports, "The federal Drug Enforcement Administration classifies all cannabis as an illegal “dangerous” drug but has taken a hands-off approach where over-the-counter CBD is concerned." The FDA allows for gummies to be marketed as a dietary supplement and therefore outside of their regulatory controls.
When I tried to search for "side effects of CBD gummies", I had to go deep into the information offered by those who sell and want to present that there is nothing to worry about. I'm sick and tired of the "nothing to see here" lack of truth that parents are being forced to believe when it comes to the care of their children. Those who ignorantly accept at face value recommendations of others will soon regret their decision to medicate their kids with this product. Do you notice how much sugar is in gummies? This makes the product even more addictive in nature and children can experience withdrawal symptoms when they are taken away.
Children's minds are developing as they grow. Adding drugs, even prescription drugs, can alter their growth and processing capabilities as they move into adulthood. When they learn to rely on drugs, like CBD Gummy Bears, they are following wherever the drug will lead them. When they do not learn how to cope to stress in healthy ways, they will forever more be reliant on medication (legal and illegal) as their only coping skill. Imagine all the kids who have parents who are giving them marijuana (smoke, oil, and gummies) to "calm" them down. The problem is, kids are not allowed to be kids anymore and parents and teachers want them to be robots, sitting in their chairs, and not disrupting school or home. When the children become more problematic and act out, the schools tell the parents to get them "therapy" and the parents bring their children to us to "fix." When we find out the parents are giving the kids CBD gummies (and other drugs), we offer that their child's symptoms may be caused by the drugs. Often, the parents, who also are self-medicating, say they "don't believe it." But when you look at the list of side effects (below), it's easy to see how your child's anxiety, depression, anger, etc. can be attributed to the drugs. Also, if you are an adult, you may be ingesting drugs that are causing your problems instead of solving them.
These are some of the Negative Side Effects of CBD as reported by the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cannabidiol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20443842):
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Agitation
chest pain
chills
cough
dark urine
fever
hoarseness
irritability
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
nausea
painful or difficult urination
pain or tenderness in the upper stomach
pale stools
sore throat
trouble breathing
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Less common
Aggression
anger
blue lips, fingernails, or skin
confusion
diarrhea
dizziness
fast heartbeat
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
stomach pain