CBD is everywhere—from skincare to sleep support, stress relief to recovery. And while it’s not a cure or medicine, many people love its calming and balancing effects. But what about CBD for children? Can kids take CBD oil? Is it safe, and is it even legal?
Here’s everything you need to know, including:
Is CBD for children legal in the UK?
There are currently no specific UK laws that make it illegal to give CBD to children. However, trade bodies recommend that CBD products should only be purchased and used by adults over 18.
Parents who choose to give CBD to their children should do so responsibly and with medical advice. While CBD products are available for purchase, children cannot legally buy them themselves.
Read more: Is CBD legal in the UK?
Potential benefits of CBD for kids
CBD has been studied for a range of potential wellness applications, including some serious paediatric conditions such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While it is not a treatment or medicine, early studies and parental reports suggest potential benefits worth exploring under medical guidance.
CBD for epilepsy
Research shows CBD can help reduce seizures in some children with rare forms of epilepsy. The prescription medicine Epidiolex—a purified CBD extract—is licensed in the UK and used for specific childhood epilepsy syndromes.
Outside this medical context, over-the-counter CBD supplements are not approved to treat epilepsy. Epilepsy Action advises parents to always inform their specialist before giving CBD to a child, as it could interact with prescribed medications.
CBD for autism
Preliminary studies have explored CBD-rich cannabis extracts for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For example, a 2018 Israeli study found that CBD oil improved sleep and reduced hyperactivity in around 70% of participants under medical supervision.
However, these findings do not mean CBD is a treatment for autism. CBD use should only be considered after consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
Is CBD safe for kids?
CBD appears to have a good safety profile in adults and has not shown serious side effects in most paediatric studies. However, there’s limited long-term data for children, so caution is advised.
Hospitals like Great Ormond Street take a neutral stance: they neither recommend nor discourage CBD but urge parents to be open with clinicians. Always ensure any product is:
- Organic and independently lab-tested
- Free from THC and contaminants
- Properly labelled with clear dosage information
Dosage should always start low and be discussed with a medical professional, especially if your child is on medication.
How to use CBD oil for children
There are no official dosage guidelines for CBD in children. Doctors generally recommend a “start low and go slow” approach—beginning with a very small amount and increasing gradually if needed.
Popular formats include:
- CBD oil mixed with food or drink – easy to measure and mask the taste.
- CBD gummies – child-friendly, but watch portion size (you can halve or quarter them).
Always supervise dosage closely and avoid exceeding the adult FSA guideline of 70 mg per day unless directed by a doctor.
FAQ
Can you legally give CBD oil to a child in the UK?
There’s no law against parents giving CBD to children, but minors cannot legally buy CBD products themselves. Always consult a medical professional first.
Is CBD safe for kids?
Current evidence suggests CBD is generally well-tolerated, but long-term studies are limited. Start with very low doses, and use only products with verified lab testing and no THC.
Can CBD treat epilepsy in children?
Only prescribed Epidiolex is approved for certain severe epilepsies in children. Non-prescription CBD supplements are not medicines and should not replace prescribed treatments.
Can CBD help with autism symptoms?
Some small studies suggest CBD-rich extracts may improve sleep and calmness in children with ASD, but more research is needed. Always seek medical supervision.
What’s the best way for children to take CBD?
Mixing a drop of oil into food or using CBD gummies is easiest for dosing and taste. Avoid vaping or any unregulated CBD edibles marketed for adults.
Can CBD interact with children’s medication?
Yes. CBD can affect how some medicines are metabolised, especially anticonvulsants. Always inform your child’s doctor before introducing CBD.
Final thoughts
CBD for children is an area of growing interest, but safety, quality and medical oversight are key. It’s not a cure or replacement for medical treatment, but ongoing research looks promising for future therapeutic potential.
Always consult your child’s doctor before introducing CBD or any supplement. When used responsibly under professional guidance, CBD may help support balance, calm and general wellbeing.
