Clinical Takeaway
Cannabinoids have been studied across a wide range of pediatric medical conditions, with the current evidence base drawing from both interventional trials and real-world observational data. The strongest and most consistent findings center on pharmaceutical cannabinoids for refractory epilepsy, while evidence for other pediatric indications remains limited or preliminary. Parents and clinicians should rely on this type of continuously updated review to guide decisions, as the pediatric cannabinoid literature is actively evolving.
#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
This living systematic review provides clinicians with continuously updated evidence on cannabinoid safety and efficacy in pediatric populations, addressing a critical knowledge gap as cannabinoid prescribing expands in children despite limited robust data. The systematic approach to mapping adverse events and reported benefits across multiple medical indications enables evidence-based decision-making for a vulnerable population where off-label use remains common. Given the incomplete regulatory guidance and conflicting clinical evidence, this dynamic resource directly supports pediatric practitioners in risk-benefit assessment and informed patient counseling regarding cannabinoid interventions.
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.
🧒 This living systematic review provides a valuable starting point for understanding cannabinoid use in pediatric populations, but clinicians should approach the evidence with appropriate caution given the inherent heterogeneity of cannabinoid preparations, dosing protocols, and outcome measures across available studies. The review’s strength lies in its systematic approach to cataloging safety and efficacy data, yet several important confounders merit consideration: most pediatric cannabinoid research remains concentrated in seizure disorders (particularly treatment-resistant epilepsy), while evidence for other conditions is sparse and often derived from small, uncontrolled studies or case reports with significant bias potential. Publication bias toward positive outcomes, the challenges of standardizing cannabis formulations, and the particular vulnerability of the developing brain to cannabinoid exposure represent critical limitations that this review cannot fully resolve. Clinically, this work reinforces that while cannabinoids may have a defined role in specific pediatric indications like Dravet syndrome, most off-label pediatric uses lack robust safety and efficacy data, making