# Endocannabinoid System Research: Cannabinoids in Children > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pediatric-medicine-clinical-evidence-review/ > **Published:** 2026-03-15T20:21:43-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:07:13-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabinoids for pediatric medicine clinical evidence review, highlighting safety and efficacy in children across multiple conditions. --- #### Clinical Takeaway Cannabinoid treatments in children have been studied across a wide range of medical conditions, with the current evidence base drawing from over 270 studies including both controlled trials and real-world observational data. The research shows variability in both reported benefits and safety profiles depending on condition, cannabinoid type, and dose. Clinicians should weigh existing evidence carefully, as this living review will continue to update as new data emerge. ### #2 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 Why This Matters This living systematic review provides clinicians with continuously updated evidence on [cannabinoid safety](https://cedclinic.com/federal-hemp-thc-ban-delay-vote-next-week/) and efficacy in pediatric populations, addressing a critical knowledge gap as cannabis-based therapeutics gain regulatory approval for childhood conditions. By systematically synthesizing data across multiple databases, the review establishes an evidence-based foundation for clinical decision-making regarding cannabinoid use in children, where pharmacological data remain limited compared to adult populations. The dynamic nature of this review ensures that emerging safety signals and efficacy data are promptly integrated into clinical practice guidance for pediatric practitioners. **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. Clinical Perspective This living systematic review represents a commendable effort to synthesize the pediatric cannabinoid evidence base, which remains sparse and heterogeneous across conditions. While the authors identified studies spanning multiple [medical applications](https://cedclinic.com/medicinal-cannabis-endometriosis-pain-relief/) in children under 18, readers should note that most existing evidence derives from small case series, observational studies, or trials focused on specific indications like epilepsy and chemotherapy-related nausea, limiting generalizability to broader pediatric populations. Critical confounders include variable [cannabinoid formulations](https://cedclinic.com/brazil-cannabis-regulatory-framework-new-medical-rules/) and ratios, inconsistent dosing protocols, short follow-up periods, and the challenge of isolating cannabinoid effects from concurrent treatments or underlying disease progression. The lack of long-term safety data in developing brains remains a significant gap, particularly regarding potential effects on neurodevelopment, cognition, and psychiatric outcomes. Clinicians considering cannabinoids in pediatric patients should recognize that current evidence supports use primarily for refractory epilepsy and select oncology-related symptoms, while routine application to other pediatric conditions remains  |   |  Further Reading CED Clinic Blog[Cannabis-Infused Beverages as Alcohol Alternatives: New York at Five Years](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-beverage-substitution-alcohol-new-york-five-years/) Cannabis Policy Wire[Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I](https://cedclinic.com/temporary-scheduling-novel-benzodiazepines-bromazolam-update/) Research Digest[AM Policy Update: March 11, 2026](https://cedclinic.com/dea-rescheduling-marijuana-march-11-2026/) [View on PubMed ↗](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40437694/)[Full Text ↗](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12336964/)[DOI ↗](https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.70140) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Cannabinoids for Pediatric Medicine: Clinical Evidence Review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pediatric-clinical-evidence-review/) A comprehensive clinical evidence review focusing on cannabinoid use in pediatric medicine, highlighting current research and safety considerations. [Read Clinical Review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pediatric-clinical-evidence-review/) [Cannabinoids in Pediatric Medicine: Evidence-Based Review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-pediatric-evidence-review/) An evidence-based review of cannabinoids in pediatric medicine, summarizing clinical findings and therapeutic potential for children. [Explore Evidence](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-pediatric-evidence-review/) [Cannabinoids for Pediatric Care: Evidence-Based Clinical Review](https://cedclinic.com/living-systematic-review-cannabinoids-pediatric-evidence/) This review provides an evidence-based clinical perspective on cannabinoid therapies for pediatric care, addressing efficacy and safety. [View Clinical Insights](https://cedclinic.com/living-systematic-review-cannabinoids-pediatric-evidence/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Endocannabinoid%20System%20Research%3A%20Cannabinoids%20in%20Children&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-pediatric-medicine-clinical-evidence-review%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-pediatric-medicine-clinical-evidence-review%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Endocannabinoid%20System%20Research%3A%20Cannabinoids%20in%20Children%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-pediatric-medicine-clinical-evidence-review%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).