Clinical Takeaway
Pediatric cannabinoid research is growing rapidly, with 276 studies now captured across interventional, observational, and survey designs, reflecting real clinical use in children under 18. The evidence base covers both plant-derived and pharmaceutical cannabinoids used to treat a range of medical conditions, though the living review format signals that findings remain actively evolving. Clinicians should interpret current data cautiously and prioritize pharmaceutical-grade formulations with documented safety and dosing profiles when treating pediatric patients.

#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.
Design: 5 Journal: 0 N: 2 Recency: 2 Pop: 3 Human: 1 Risk: 0
Methodological Considerations:
- Small sample โ 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 โ20% 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.
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