Cannabinoids for Pediatric Care: Evidence-Based Clinical Review

Clinical Takeaway

Pediatric cannabinoid research is an active and growing field, with 276 studies identified across multiple designs, reflecting real-world clinical use across a range of medical conditions in children under 18. The evidence base includes both plant-derived and pharmaceutical cannabinoids, with data spanning safety and reported benefit outcomes. Clinicians should interpret findings cautiously, as the field continues to evolve and study quality varies considerably across the included research.

#3 Cannabinoids for Medical Purposes in Children: A Living Systematic Review.

Citation: Chhabra Manik et al.. Cannabinoids for Medical Purposes in Children: A Living Systematic Review.. Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). 2025. PMID: 40437694.

Study type: Journal Article, Systematic Review  |  Topic area: Autism  |  CED Score: 13

Design: 5 Journal: 0 N: 2 Recency: 2 Pop: 3 Human: 1 Risk: 0

Methodological Considerations:

  • Small sample — underpowered for subgroup analysis

Abstract: AIM: We developed a living systematic review (LSR) that will continuously map the safety and reported benefit data related to cannabinoid use for medical purposes in children. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to April 2023. Studies involving at least one child  20% studies) in studies enrolling children were somnolence, diarrhoea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. CONCLUSION: These findings will continue to be updated to inform practice and reveal knowledge gaps for future research.

Full Article  |  PubMed  |  PMC Full Text