Pediatric medical marijuana

What Texas Parents Should Know

As a parent of a child with a chronic condition, you’re always looking for ways to help them feel better. If you’ve heard about pediatric medical marijuana and are curious if it might be a good option, you’re not alone. More families are exploring this possibility for conditions like epilepsy and autism, especially when other treatments haven’t worked as well as they’d hoped.

While medical marijuana is not yet a widely used treatment for pediatric patients, it shows incredible promise in managing specific symptoms, such as seizures, muscle spasms, or painful cancer treatments. As you make medical decisions for your child, it’s important to keep in mind that cannabis misuse by teens has been linked to increased anxiety -- which can cause challenges in social and academic settings.

Because every child’s needs are unique, regular physician check-ins can ensure this option is safe, effective, and appropriate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what pediatric medical marijuana is, how it works, and what to consider if you’re thinking about it for your child.‍

How Medical Marijuana Works for Children

Medical marijuana contains naturally occurring compounds like CBD and THC. The focus for kids is usually on CBD because it doesn’t cause the "high" that THC does. Studies show that CBD can help with things like reducing seizures, calming anxiety, and improving sleep—especially for kids with conditions like epilepsy or autism who haven’t had success with other treatments.

Medical marijuana interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate things like sleep, mood, and pain. That’s why some kids seem to do well with medical marijuana when other therapies haven’t been effective. However, every child is different, and it’s important to talk to a doctor about how this option might fit into your child’s care.‍

Why Some Conditions Qualify for Pediatric Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana isn’t for every condition, but it’s often considered when traditional treatments aren’t enough. For example, children with certain types of epilepsy, like Dravet Syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, may qualify because CBD has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. This is especially important for families where other medications haven’t worked or caused too many side effects.

Autism is another condition where medical marijuana might be helpful, especially for managing symptoms like anxiety, aggression, or social withdrawal. Research is still ongoing, but early studies suggest that CBD may help regulate mood and behavior, offering a bit of relief for children who struggle with these challenges daily.

Other conditions that might qualify include cancer, where medical marijuana can help manage pain and nausea, or severe muscle spasms. These conditions qualify because medical marijuana might offer relief when other treatments fall short.‍

Navigating the Legal Side of Pediatric Medical Marijuana

The rules around medical marijuana can be tricky, and they vary from state to state. This makes it important to know what your state allows and how to go about getting treatment for your child.

As a parent or legal guardian, you’ll need to act as the caregiver, which means you’ll be responsible for managing how and when your child uses the medication. Checking your state’s specific rules and working with a knowledgeable doctor is the first step in your child’s medical marijuana journey.

In Texas, qualified physicians are able to prescribe medical marijuana as a supplemental treatment for pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer, autism, epilepsy, and other seizure disorders, muscle spasticity from multiple sclerosis, and PTSD. You should always work closely with your child’s doctor to determine if medical marijuana treatments are a good option.‍

What Parents Should Consider When Thinking About Medical Marijuana

If you’re exploring medical marijuana for your child, it’s important to understand how it might work for their specific condition. For children with epilepsy, CBD has been shown to reduce seizures in some cases where other medications haven’t helped. For children with autism, early studies suggest it could help with anxiety and aggression, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Medical marijuana comes in non-smokable forms, like oils or tinctures, which can be adjusted to fit your child’s needs. The right dosage is key, and that’s why regular check-ins with your doctor are so important. They’ll help you monitor how your child is responding and make any necessary adjustments.

It’s incredibly important to note that you should never give your child any form of marijuana that was not prescribed by a physician and purchased from a licensed dispensary. This includes hemp-derived medical marijuana products, which are often unregulated, despite their legal availability.‍

Taking the Next Steps

If you’re thinking about medical marijuana for your child, the first thing you need to do is speak to their doctor. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks for your child’s specific medical needs and guide you through the legal and medical steps you need to take.

Keep in mind that while medical marijuana can be a helpful tool for some children, it’s not a cure-all, and every child responds differently. By staying informed and working closely with your child’s doctor, you can make the best decision for your child’s health and well-being.