{"id":36681,"date":"2024-10-04T08:00:24","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T12:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=36681"},"modified":"2025-09-25T05:31:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T09:31:34","slug":"cannabis-across-life-infancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cannabis-across-life-infancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Cannabis Across Life: Infancy"},"content":{"rendered":"

The most important first steps of our lives actually happen well before we learn to walk or talk. Our first metaphorical steps are the processes we instinctively use to propel ourselves from a seed into a sapling. Basic functions like breathing, suckling, crying, reflexes, evacuating, and more are essential for survival in our earliest, most vulnerable stages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The newborn phase, infancy, and childhood are critical periods for laying down the foundation for a healthy life. These populations each require personalized guidance, care, and patience. Babies and children need a lot of nutritional, emotional, medical, developmental, and hygienic maintenance from parents and caregivers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During these times, there’s a natural inclination to be attentive to all the possible foods, liquids, and substances going into their developing brain and body. With this in mind, let\u2019s begin our journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Infancy and Cannabinoids<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is where the distinction between endocannabinoids and plant-based cannabinoids is key. Endocannabinoids are naturally present and safe from birth. However, cannabis and impairing cannabinoids like THC carry negative short and long-term health and legal consequences if introduced during this stage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By contrast, nonintoxicating prescription CBD can be a literal lifesaver for some infants and children over age 1 who are affected by certain rare pediatric epilepsies. This is because our <\/span>endocannabinoid system<\/span><\/a> (ECS) comes built-in and activated right from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a CB1 activator, THC is impairing and can hijack the developing endocannabinoid system and cause lasting issues. Meanwhile, CBD doesn\u2019t activate CB1 receptors, so it doesn\u2019t cause a high, but it can increase endocannabinoid levels, slow enzymes, and activate important, non-cannabinoid receptors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ECS During Infancy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Endocannabinoids are believed to play a critical role in early development and newborn physiology. Animals like cows and humans naturally have endocannabinoids in their milk, but the reasons aren\u2019t clear. Since <\/span>virtually all animals<\/span><\/a> have an endocannabinoid system, there\u2019s room for influence at any age.<\/span><\/p>\n

We know that endocannabinoids gently stimulate CB receptors and the ECS to <\/span>a lesser degree and differently<\/span><\/a> than plant-based ones. In fact, an intact ECS is needed for healthy development.<\/span><\/p>\n

The exact role of endocannabinoids during this time is still being understood. However, based on <\/span>early research<\/span><\/a>, some of the emerging findings on the ECS and development are that:<\/span><\/p>\n