rethinkTHC Search
Menu
Study breakdown

Parents Divided on CBD Product Safety for Children

Cross SectionalPreliminary evidence
The takeaway

A survey of U.S. parents found widespread uncertainty about CBD product safety for children, with many unaware of poison control risks.

Parents using CBD products, pediatric safety advocates, public health policymakers

Many parents unaware of rising pediatric CBD poison control calls

What the researchers found

While most parents and caregivers had heard of CBD, opinions split on whether CBD products pose safety risks to children. Many were unaware of the rising number of pediatric CBD-related poison control calls.

Why it matters

As CBD products proliferate in households, understanding parent awareness of pediatric exposure risks helps inform public health messaging and product safety regulations.

The numbers in context

Survey conducted among U.S. parents/caregivers; specific sample size and percentage breakdowns available in full text.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional online survey of U.S. parents and caregivers assessing knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors related to CBD products and child safety.

What this study cannot tell us

Online survey with potential selection bias. Self-reported data may not reflect actual safety practices. Specific product types and formulations not differentiated.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional survey design with potential selection bias limits causal inference.

When this study was published

2025 study reflecting current CBD market landscape.

The bigger picture

Pediatric exposures to CBD and cannabis products have surged alongside legalization and commercial availability. Parent education remains a gap in harm reduction efforts.

Questions still open

  • What interventions most effectively increase parent awareness of CBD exposure risks? Should child-resistant packaging mandates extend to all CBD products?

Common questions

Are CBD products dangerous for children?
Pediatric poison control calls involving CBD products have been rising. This survey found many parents were unaware of these risks, suggesting a gap in safety awareness.
Do most parents know about CBD safety risks?
The survey found divided opinions, with a substantial portion of parents uncertain or unaware of the potential hazards CBD products pose to children.

Read the original research

Parent and caregiver perceptions of cannabidiol products may put children at risk for unintentional exposure.

Frontiers in public health, 13, 1714993

Citation

McNally, Michael; McFayden, Michael; Hime, Olivia; Kovasala, Michael; Brown, Grant; Geneau, Hunter; Holmes, Simeon; Brewer, Kori L; Jones, G Kirk. (2025). Parent and caregiver perceptions of cannabidiol products may put children at risk for unintentional exposure.. Frontiers in public health, 13, 1714993. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1714993

Explore the wider topic