Pediatric CBD & Medical Cannabis
Safe, reassuring clinical guidance for parents exploring cannabinoid therapy for children with qualifying medical conditions.
A Reassuring Approach for Parents
For parents navigating severe, treatment-resistant pediatric conditions, exploring CBD or medical cannabis can feel overwhelming. At Releaf MD, we prioritize education and safety above all else. Under the guidance of Dr. Kelly Ennix King, we help parents understand how medical-grade, non-psychoactive CBD can be used safely and legally to improve a child's comfort and daily function.
It is important to clarify that clinical pediatric CBD therapy focuses on non-intoxicating formulations (primarily CBD-dominant or low-THC). These treatments are designed to target symptoms without causing any psychoactive impairment or "high."
Florida Pediatric Regulations & Process
Florida law permits medical cannabis certifications for patients under the age of 18 (minors), but enforces additional layers of clinical and legal review to protect pediatric patients:
- Two-Physician Approval: Florida requires that two separate, qualified physicians evaluate a pediatric patient and agree that the benefits of medical cannabis outweigh any potential risks. Dr. Kelly will perform the primary evaluation and help guide you through securing the second physician's review.
- Registered Caregiver Requirement: A parent or legal guardian must register as the minor's official caregiver in the state registry database. Only the registered caregiver is authorized to purchase, possess, and administer the medication.
- In-Person Assessment: Just like adult patients, the initial consultation with Dr. Kelly must take place in-person at our Brandon clinic.
Common Qualifying Conditions for Children
Florida statutes permit pediatric certifications for specific, severe conditions where traditional treatments have failed to provide relief:
- Severe Epilepsy & Refractory Seizures: Including syndromes like Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Particularly when accompanied by self-injurious behaviors, severe aggression, or extreme sensory distress.
- Chronic Muscle Spasms: Caused by cerebral palsy or other neuromuscular conditions.
- Terminal Illnesses: Supporting comfort care and symptom mitigation.
Why Medical-Grade Supervision Matters
While CBD products are widely sold in gas stations and retail stores, these commercial products are completely unregulated and often contain incorrect labels, chemical solvents, or heavy metals.
Under Dr. Kelly's supervision, pediatric patients gain access to clean, licensed medical dispensaries where products are rigorously third-party lab-tested. Dr. Kelly provides precise dosage guidance (including CBD-to-THC ratios and exact milligram schedules) and closely monitors your child's progress to ensure safety and clinical efficacy.