Is CBD (Cannabidiol) safe?

Introduction

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic compound derived from Cannabis sativa, widely used for its potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain. Despite its growing popularity, there is ongoing debate and research regarding its safety profile.

Key Insights

General Safety and Tolerability
- CBD is generally well-tolerated in humans, with chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day reported as safe . However, some studies indicate potential side effects such as tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite/weight.
Adverse Effects
- Common adverse effects include sedation, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea . Serious adverse events, although rare, have been reported, including abnormal liver function tests and pneumonia, particularly in studies involving childhood epilepsy.
- CBD can cause transaminase elevations, sleep disturbances, infections, and anemia. In animal studies, no teratogenic or neurotoxic effects were observed in zebrafish embryos.
Drug-Drug Interactions
- CBD has the potential for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions, particularly affecting enzymes like CYP3A4/2C19 and P-glycoprotein, which are involved in drug metabolism and excretion . This necessitates careful monitoring when CBD is used alongside other medications.
Psychiatric Use
- In psychiatric applications, CBD has shown discrete or no adverse effects, with sedation and dizziness being the most frequently reported. However, the evidence is still scarce, and further well-designed trials are needed.
Veterinary Use
- In veterinary studies, CBD-rich hemp products were found to be relatively safe for dogs, with no significant changes in serum chemistry or complete blood counts over 12 weeks. However, cats showed different absorption and elimination patterns, with some adverse effects like excessive licking and head shaking.
Regulatory and Quality Concerns
- The lack of regulation in CBD product manufacturing leads to inconsistencies in product quality, including inaccurate labeling and potential contamination with heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful substances . This underscores the importance of obtaining products with certification of Good Manufacturing Practices.

Conclusion

CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with relatively few serious adverse effects. However, potential side effects such as sedation, gastrointestinal issues, and drug-drug interactions should be monitored. The lack of regulation in product quality and the need for further research, particularly in psychiatric and veterinary applications, highlight the importance of cautious and informed use.

Is CBD (Cannabidiol) safe?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Adverse effects of cannabidiol: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

CBD is well-tolerated and has few serious adverse effects, but interactions with other medications should be monitored.

Is there a role for cannabidiol in psychiatry?

CBD's efficacy and safety in psychiatry are still inconclusive, with limited evidence for major depressive and bipolar disorders, and limited evidence for cannabis withdrawal and addiction.

Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use

CBD use may cause adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions, requiring careful monitoring and alternative therapies for medically complex patients.

Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent.

Cannabidiol (CBD) may be safe in humans and animals, but further studies are needed to clarify potential side effects.

Cannabidiol did not induce teratogenicity or neurotoxicity in exposed zebrafish embryos.

Cannabidiol (CBD) does not induce teratogenicity or neurotoxicity in zebrafish embryos, but may cause early light effects related to the CB1 receptor.

An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies

CBD has a favorable safety profile in humans, with common side effects including tiredness, diarrhea, and changes of appetite/weight, but more clinical research is needed on its interactions with other drugs and hormones.

Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats

CBD-rich hemp nutraceuticals are safe for healthy adult dogs, but cats show lower absorption and more adverse effects during oil administration.

Cognitive function and adaptive skills after a one-year trial of cannabidiol (CBD) in a pediatric sample with treatment-resistant epilepsy

CBD, as an add-on drug for treatment-resistant epilepsy in children, does not appear to cause adverse effects involving cognition or adaptive function over one year of treatment.

Cautious Hope for Cannabidiol (CBD) in Rheumatology Care

CBD shows potential as a treatment for rheumatic diseases, but more scientific study is needed to confirm its effectiveness and caution is advised due to potential contaminants and drug-drug interactions.

Clinicians' Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils.

Cannabidiol (CBD) oils show promise for treating various conditions, particularly pain, but careful selection and regulation are crucial for safe and effective patient care.

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