The following resources are ones members of our group have had positive experiences with. Of course, we cannot assume responsibility for your choices or experiences. Please use your best judgement and consult with appropriate healthcare providers to evaluate the best fit for your personal situation.
If you are new to pediatric cannabis, a great way to educate yourself is to read Dr. Bonni Goldstein’s new book, Cannabis Revealed. I had a chance to thank her and pick her brain some more here.
To learn more about how to safely medicate your child with cannabis, review this post. To learn more about where to find your best sources of support, review this post.
Companies Selling Pediatric Cannabis Products:
The companies below produce a variety of cannabis products specifically for pediatric use - including high CBD, THCA and THC, as well as lesser known cannabinoids newer to the market like CBDA, CBG, CBGA, CBN, etc. While hemp-based products can still be mailed directly to your home, you’ll need to look for all other products at your local dispensary - the only place to legally purchase cannabis products now in California. Be sure to get your Medical Marijuana Identification Card from your county to avoid some of the additional fees and to be able to buy the larger amounts you may need.
Also, always ask for lab results. We continue to advocate for independently testing your cannabis product to evaluate the quality. You can find a list of local labs below. Also know that recreational products do not at all have the same quality standards. I strongly and only recommend using a product that is intended for medicinal use. We cannot speak to the quality of products from companies not on this list.
Aunt Zelda’s
CannaKids
Canniatric
Care By Design
CW Hemp
Elixinol
Elysium
Fiddler’s Greens
Haleigh’s Hope
Jayden’s Juice
Mary’s Medicinals
Moxie Meds
Myriam’s Hope
Palmetto Harmony
Rylie’s Sunshine
Synergy Wellness
The Statewide Collective
TreatWell Health
Local Dispensaries:
THCSD - Cherie carries a full menu of hemp products at her shop out in Alpine.
For THC products, please reach out directly to the producer themselves to find out which local dispensaries are carrying their products. Too much is changing right now for me to keep on top of it. Also please remember that recreational products are NOT medicinal quality. I DO NOT recommend walking into just any dispensary, taking advise from their bud tenders and walking out with a product you have not thoroughly researched.
Nonprofit Organizations:
The Flowering Hope Foundation
Project CBD
The Realm of Caring - this is a great place to get information and resources on treatment planning
Parent Experts:
Jae Maedler is the parent of 2 children using pediatric cannabis, treating symptoms related to autism, cancer and seizures. She can be available for consultations using this form.
Ray Mirzabegian is the parent of child with Dravet syndrome and an early pioneer at the forefront of pediatric cannabis. Ray is available for consultations in Los Angeles and you can book appointments with him here.
Parent Blogs:
Elizabeth Aquino at a moon, worn as if it had been a shell. Elizabeth also participates in a fabulous podcast about “the grit and grace of caregiving” called Who Lives Like This?!
Mary Lou Connolly at Carpe Diem
Jill Hitchman Osborn at Seizing Hope
Christy Shake at Calvin’s Journey
San Diego Pediatric Neurologists:
Doctors at the following locations have patients using pediatric cannabis. They’re open to talking about it and will be able to help you evaluate if its appropriate for your child.
Kaiser
Naval Medical Center
Rady Children’s Hospital
Suzanne Goh, M.D. - practices a bio-medical approach, only accepts PPO insurance plans at this time. No Medi-Cal.
California Medical Marijuana Doctors And Treatment Supports:
Medical marijuana “recommendations” for both children (patient) and parents (caregiver) are always a good idea for legal protection. While some high CBD products are accessible without one, a lot is changing in California right now. I generally tell parents you will need this recommendation primarily to get your state issued medical marijuana identification card, which allows you to make larger purchases in dispensaries and pay less taxes. Don’t be discouraged if the doctor doesn’t provide much guidance. They generally don’t and you’ll find support other places anyway.
It is rare to find a medical marijuana doctor who can provide both a recommendation as well as treatment planning support. The famous exception is Bonni Goldstein, M.D. at Canna-Centers in Lawndale. With other doctors available to help, I’ve been told her waitlist is moving now. You can also purchase her book, Cannabis Revealed, here.
Places in Los Angeles for a pediatric/caregiver recommendation:
Hollywood Easy Clinic - multiple locations (even in San Francisco), email [email protected] with “Pediatric Recommendation” in the subject line
Tosha Brown, M.D.
The nurses at Radicle Health are also available for treatment planning assistance in Los Angeles.
Places in San Diego for a pediatric/caregiver recommendation:
Cal Med 421 - off Miramar Road in central San Diego.
Although she is unable to write a recommendation, for ongoing support in San Diego County I suggest seeking out the expertise of Michelle Sexton, N.D. As a doctor of Naturopathic Medicine with a strong research and clinical background in medical marijuana, Dr. Sexton is able to provide thorough, holistic treatment planning.
For parent/adult recommendations, PrestoDoctor conveniently provides them online.
The doctor who writes your recommendation can also fill out the CDPH 9044 form required by the state to get the Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) required to be exempt from sales and use tax. Still expect to be subject to additional state and city taxes. You can get your MMIC by appointment WITH YOUR CHILD/PATIENT at the county. Visit the County of San Diego here for specifics. For other counties click here.
Southern California Medical Marijuana Testing Facilities:
Bud Genius
Coastal Analytical
SC Labs
SD PharmLabs
Steep Hill
Other Supportive Resources:
Danny Did Foundation - providing education and support related to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
Rossignol Medical Center - family physician providing a bio-medical approach in Orange County
TACA - “Talk About Curing Autism” is a fabulous resource run by parents for the parents of neurologically atypical children. I can’t recommend our local chapter enough.
Steve Tullius - chiropractor specializing in pediatric neurological conditions
