Tapering Up Cannabis Medicine for Pediatric Patients: A Gradual, Gentle Approach
Understanding Pediatric Cannabis Dosing
Administering cannabis medicine to pediatric patients can present unique challenges. Parents often find themselves navigating a delicate balance between ensuring effective symptom relief and minimizing potential side effects. Tinctures, with their precise dosing capabilities, are a popular choice for many families. However, other administration methods can also be effective depending on the child’s needs and the family’s lifestyle.
Some parents find success with:
Infused Gummies: Custom-made or store-bought, these offer a familiar, palatable format.
Blending with Foods: Mixing cannabis oils into yogurt, applesauce, or other snacks can mask the taste.
Infused Sugar: Cannabis-infused sugars can be incorporated into homemade treats.
Nebulized Inhalation: This innovative method can offer quick, controlled doses when oral administration is problematic.
Topical Applications and Patches: Particularly useful for localized symptoms or when oral intake is difficult.
🔗 More about Edibles & Capsules
🔗 Learn about Nebulization
🔗 More about Topicals
The key is to maintain consistency and track responses carefully, especially during the initial tapering-up process.
Tapering Up with CBD: A Sample Schedule
CBD Tincture Dosing Schedule
Tincture Concentration: 300 mg/ml (CBD Isolate)
Starting Dose: 7.5 mg
Target Dose: 150 mg
Increase Frequency: Every 2 days
| Days | Dose (mg) | Volume (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 7.5 mg | 0.025 ml |
| 3–4 | 15 mg | 0.05 ml |
| 5–6 | 30 mg | 0.1 ml |
| 7–8 | 60 mg | 0.2 ml |
| 9–10 | 90 mg | 0.3 ml |
| 11–12 | 120 mg | 0.4 ml |
| 13–14 | 150 mg | 0.5 ml |
Instructions:
Timing: Administer each night before bedtime.
Monitoring: Watch for changes in mood, behavior, sleep, and physical symptoms.
Adjustments: If the child experiences improvement (e.g., better sleep or reduced agitation) before reaching the target dose, consider holding at that level. There’s no need to increase if symptoms are well-controlled.
By the end of two weeks, the patient will have gradually and gently tapered up to 150 mg nightly.
Tapering Up with THC: A Sample Schedule
THC Tincture Dosing Schedule
Tincture Concentration: 2.5 mg/ml
Starting Dose: 1 mg
Target Dose: 10 mg
Increase Frequency: Every 3 days
| Days | Dose (mg) | Volume (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | 1 mg | 0.4 ml |
| 4–6 | 2 mg | 0.8 ml |
| 7–9 | 3 mg | 1.2 ml |
| 10–12 | 4 mg | 1.6 ml |
| 13–15 | 5 mg | 2.0 ml |
| 16–18 | 6 mg | 2.4 ml |
| 19–21 | 7 mg | 2.8 ml |
| 22–24 | 8 mg | 3.2 ml |
| 25–27 | 9 mg | 3.6 ml |
| 28+ | 10 mg | 4.0 ml |
Instructions:
Timing: Administer in the evening at a consistent time to track effects accurately.
Monitoring: Look for signs like drowsiness, appetite changes, or altered mood.
Adjustments: If symptoms improve significantly before reaching the target dose, maintain that dose unless efficacy diminishes.
By the end of 28 days, the patient will reach a maximum nightly dose of 10 mg THC.
Symptoms of Excess THC in Pediatric Patients
Even with careful dosing, pediatric patients may occasionally experience an excess of THC. Common symptoms include:
Giggling: Uncontrollable laughter with no clear cause.
Sleepiness: Unusual drowsiness or difficulty staying awake.
Distractibility: Inability to maintain focus or follow instructions.
Hyperfocus: Becoming overly fixated on objects or spacing out.
“Rescue” Techniques for THC Overdose
If a child exhibits these symptoms, consider the following strategies:
Hydrate: Offer water or juice to help the body process the THC.
Snacks: Provide a light, healthy snack to help distract and stabilize the child.
Calm Environment: Move the child to a quiet, dimly lit area.
Reassurance: Remind the child they are safe and the sensations will pass.
CBD: Administering a dose of CBD may help mitigate THC’s psychoactive effects.
Sleep: Encourage restful sleep if the child feels tired.
Watch out! This one is a myth: peppercorns, across the internet are reported to be a relief for too much cannabis. The terpene beta-caryophyllene in peppercorns can counteract THC effects.. in a chemistry set, and in small, controlled circumstances. Having a child smell or eat crushed peppercorns will only risk sneezing.
Tips for a Smooth Tapering Process
Consistency: Administer doses at the same time each day.
Environment: Choose a calm, quiet setting with minimal stimulation.
Tracking: Maintain a simple journal to record observations and adjustments.
Tapering up cannabis medicine requires patience and close observation. Every child’s response will vary, but with methodical adjustments, many families achieve the right balance of symptom relief and minimal side effects.
If you have questions about tailoring a tapering schedule for your child, please reach out to our care team. We are here to help you navigate this journey with confidence and clarity.
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