Parental Perceptions and Usage of Unlicensed Cannabidiol Products in Children With Anxiety and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Data evaluating the use of unlicensed cannabidiol (CBD) products for the treatment of ­symptoms associated with anxiety and neurodevelopmental disorders in children are limited despite increasing ­product availability. The objectives of this study are to quantify the usage of unlicensed CBD products among pediatric patients diagnosed with anxiety and neurodevelopmental disorders and compare the ­perceptions of CBD between parents who administer a CBD product to a child and parents who do not. METHODS A survey containing 31 items was designed after pretesting with pediatric health care professionals. The refined survey was distributed using Qualtrics Panels to a representative sample of US parents of a child 7 to 18 years of age diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Responses were analyzed with descriptive ­statistics and compared using a χ2 or Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Of the 518 completed surveys, 162 parents (31.3%) reported the administration of an unlicensed CBD product to a child with ADHD, ASD, and/or GAD. The highest prevalence of use was found in the West geographic region and among children diagnosed with GAD or with 2 or more diagnoses (i.e., ADHD, ASD, GAD). Parents who administered CBD products had more positive views of product safety and higher ­perceived community support for usage. CONCLUSIONS Nearly one-third of parents have administered an unlicensed CBD product to a child with ADHD, ASD, and GAD. Health care providers should assess pediatric patients for CBD use and be prepared to engage parents in conversations regarding the safety of these products.