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Medical Cannabis in Children
1Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal
|February 5, 2020
Summary
Medical cannabis use in children is increasing, with evidence supporting pure cannabidiol (CBD) for epilepsy. Caution is advised for other conditions due to limited data and potential placebo effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Medical cannabis use in children is expanding, particularly for refractory epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Evidence is robust for pure cannabidiol (CBD) in specific epilepsies, but artisanal strains are common for other pediatric conditions.
- Recreational cannabis use in youth carries risks, and medical cannabis may have a significant placebo effect, necessitating cautious application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of medical cannabis in pediatric populations.
- To describe the risks associated with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD in children.
- To explore the debate between whole-plant extracts and pure cannabinoids for medical use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on medical cannabis in children.
- Analysis of safety, tolerability, and efficacy data.
- Examination of risks and the entourage effect concept.
Main Results:
- Robust evidence exists for pure CBD in refractory epilepsy.
- Artisanal CBD-rich cannabis is frequently used for epilepsy and ASD-related irritability.
- Potential risks of THC and CBD in pediatric populations are identified.
Conclusions:
- Medical cannabis use in children requires careful consideration due to limited evidence for many conditions and potential risks.
- The choice between whole-plant extracts and standardized cannabinoids remains a key debate.
- Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for pediatric medical cannabis use.
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