P0107 - Social Media Information About Cannabidiol (CBD) Products Use Among Children: Are the Messages Presented Suggesting They Are Safe for Children?

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major phytocannabinoid present in the Cannabis sativa plant which is also known as the hemp plant. It is one of 113 cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant and makes up almost half of the plants extract. CBD products have emerged as a highly profitable industry due to the high level of vertical integration and product diversification. Unrestricted use of these products puts them in the hands of children legally in stores or at home, without any restriction including safety regulations about the container used to dispense them (e.g. child proof caps). Pediatric communities of health providers have stipulated restrictions to reduce the risk for children accidentally ingesting over the counter medications and herbal supplements. In the case of CBD products these norms have not been implemented, but the marketing of products suggest that children can use these products without any restriction.

Objective: To describe information presented on CBD products in YouTube video clips suggesting these products are safe for children and can most likely cure or improve common pediatric problems without any medical restriction.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study selecting available clips uploaded to YouTube platform about the recommendations to use CBD products. By including the following keywords “CBD products” “+children” most viewed clips were reviewed. A total of 43 clips were selected and analyzed by two independent reviewers in regard to 1) popularity (number of views, subscribers & comments), 2) Scientific content, 3) Disorder cure or improvement and 4) Safety measures (doctor advice, product safety).

Results: In table 1, it is shown general information about the clips included. Use of children using the product or being present in these clips fluctuates between 37% to 86%. Warnings about the use and child proof caps are very low or inexistent. Advise to consult a professional about the use of these products is above the 50% in educational and news clips.
Pediatrics problems cured or improved shown in these clips included seizures, autism, ADHD, tumors, anxiety, tics, general well-being, stutter, cerebral palsy, cancer and mood disorders. A specific brand is recommended in 35% of the cases. The popularity of these clips varies from 21 views to > 664000, with subscribers from 17 to 13 million. Most of the products presented include oil and gummy bears.

Discussion: The information presented in the clips seems to indicate that CBD products are safe for children and do not require of professional advice. Most products do not have any child proof cap to maintain them away of children and are accessible to them in stores & homes. Advertising of these products using children should be reviewed due to the message transmitted to the general public.