When Dawn Norby’s son was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening illness, her world turned upside down. Chemotherapy, transfusions, and months in and out of the hospital became their new normal — but what stood out was her son’s refusal to take painkillers, even in the midst of intense suffering. That single decision led Dawn down an unexpected path that would spark a movement in natural healing.
In this heartfelt episode of the Health After 30 podcast, host Alana Bonnemann speaks with Dawn about how her family’s journey through cancer and chronic pain led to the creation of Budding Botanicals, a CBD wellness brand that’s now helping both children and adults find safe, plant-based relief.
This is a must-listen for any parent exploring alternatives to prescription medication — especially for pain, anxiety, or side effects from serious illness.
Why CBD for Children?
Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in the hemp plant, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system — a system that helps regulate mood, sleep, inflammation, and immune response. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects, making it a potential option for managing pain and anxiety in both children and adults.
Dawn’s experience showed her that with proper guidance, all-natural CBD isolate can offer safe, effective relief — even for children going through chemotherapy, living with arthritis, or struggling with anxiety and sleep issues.
Key Highlights from the Episode
1. A Family’s Journey Through Crisis
Dawn shares the emotional story of her son’s rare blood disorder and later, her own breast cancer diagnosis. When her son refused opioids after his bone marrow transplant, it sparked a personal mission to find safe, natural alternatives.
2. Creating a Natural CBD Salve — With Zero Experience
With no background in cannabis, Dawn researched tirelessly and developed a CBD salve using organic, THC-free isolate. Her first trial? A Make-A-Wish child in pain — who felt relief within minutes. That one moment launched her company and purpose.
3. CBD for Pediatric Pain, Anxiety & ADHD
Dawn explains how CBD isolate can help manage pain, inflammation, migraines, and even emotional symptoms like anxiety in children. She also highlights the importance of dosing, quality, and avoiding full-spectrum products that may contain trace THC.
4. Clearing Up Misconceptions
Is CBD safe for kids? Does it cause a high? Will it interfere with medications? Dawn busts common myths and explains why education is key — especially for families unfamiliar with plant medicine.
5. When Natural Relief Is Enough
From arthritis to PTSD, Dawn’s customers range from toddlers to military veterans. She shares real-life stories of people who found their lives transformed — not by prescriptions, but by plants.
🧠 Common Questions Answered in the Episode
❓ Can CBD really help kids with pain or anxiety?
Yes — when used properly and with medical guidance, CBD isolate can provide relief from pain, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation.
❓ Is CBD safe for children?
Topical use is generally very safe. For internal use, it’s important to use CBD isolate (THC-free) and consult your doctor — especially if the child is on blood pressure or seizure medications.
❓ What’s the difference between isolate and full-spectrum CBD?
CBD isolate contains only pure CBD and no THC — ideal for children, military members, and anyone avoiding psychoactive compounds. Full-spectrum may offer stronger effects but includes trace THC.
❓ Can CBD replace pharmaceutical drugs?
Not always — but it may significantly reduce reliance on them. Dawn encourages people to try samples first, listen to their body, and consult their healthcare provider.
👩👦 About Dawn Norby
Dawn Norby is a mother, cancer survivor, and founder of Budding Botanicals — a CBD brand committed to clean, organic, THC-free wellness products. Her formulations are used by families, cancer patients, veterans, and doctors looking for natural support. Dawn is passionate about education, transparency, and creating products that help people live pain-free without pharmaceuticals.
If this speaks to you and you want to see if CBD can also have a profound effect on your health find out more at: buddingbotanicalsusa.com
🎁 Use the discount code for 15% off: ALANA15
Please note there is no affiliate or earning from this. It’s a gift from us to you.