CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that is becoming increasingly popular for its potential health benefits. But is it safe for human consumption? In this article, we will explore the safety of CBD, the possible side-effects, and what you should know before using it. With the right information, you can make an informed decision about whether or not CBD is right for you.
Is there any evidence that CBD is harmful to human health?
No, there is no evidence that CBD is harmful to human health. Many studies have shown that CBD has a variety of beneficial effects on the body, including reducing inflammation, anxiety and pain. Additionally, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce any of the psychoactive effects associated with THC (the active ingredient in marijuana).
What are the bad things about CBD?
Some potential bad things about CBD include an increased risk of liver damage, interactions with certain medications, and the potential for it to contain trace amounts of THC. Additionally, CBD is not yet regulated by the FDA, so there is a risk of buying products that are not accurately labeled.
Is CBD OK for your liver?
CBD is generally considered safe for your liver, as it does not contain any known toxic elements. However, it is important to monitor your liver health if you are taking CBD, and if you experience any symptoms of liver disease, you should consult your doctor.
We asked a dietitian to take a closer look at this food supplement. CBD oil is increasingly popular, both as a food supplement and as an oil to apply topically to the skin. We asked dietitian Emer Delaney to explain what it is, why people use it and whether its safe. Cannabidiol CBD is a cannabinoid a chemical compound that acts throughout the body, including on certain parts of the brain, and is becoming increasingly popular in the health world. It comes from the cannabis plant however, unlike its counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol THC , which is responsible for the high from marijuana, CBD, derived from the hemp plant, is non-intoxicating and some believe it may have potential health and wellness benefits. Once extracted from the cannabis plant, it is diluted with a carrier such as olive or coconut oil this improves its bio-availability. There are, however, strict restrictions over its THC content. A small number of patients in the UK may be prescribed a cannabis-based medicine to treat epilepsy or nausea during chemotherapy. Visit the NHS website for more information on medical cannabis. Supporters of CBD oil believe it may help a number of clinical conditions, including refractory epilepsy, chronic pain, depression, anxiety and acne. However, further robust evidence is required as much of the research is carried out on animal models. A systematic review looking at the use of CBD for epilepsy concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy and long-term safety of using it to treat epilepsy. It does, however, suggest that, albeit in very low numbers, small daily doses were safe in a small group of adults for a short period of time. There are some suggestions from animal studies that CBD may be beneficial for osteoarthritis, through topical application for inflammation or joint pain , however, it has been difficult to attribute the therapeutic benefits to CBT alone. One study reported reduced pain and muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. Early evidence looking into the use of CBD in the treatment of anxiety and depression has found some exciting results although on very small samples. The first study assessed anxiety links with public speaking it found a very specific dose of CBD mg showed anti-anxiety effects. The second study was a stand-alone case report of one child with post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. It found CBD oil helped the child safely reduce her anxiety and improve sleep. CBD may also have the potential to help reduce acne however, it is important to note that this research is still in its infancy. Most large health food stores will stock pure CBD oil. However, as it is classed as a food supplement rather than a medicinal product, it isnt regulated in the UK. This means you cannot know for sure that the product you buy contains the active ingredients at the amounts listed on the label. Furthermore, the product may contain contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals and other elements. For this reason, the NHS highlights there is no guarantee that these products will be of good quality or provide the intended health benefits. If youre considering using CBD oil, you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to do so. This is particularly important if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, if you have any pre-existing conditions or if you are taking any medication including statins, blood-thinning medication and calcium channel blockers. Although the use of CBD is controversial, it does seem to be tolerated by most people. It has, however, caused hypotension and light-headedness in a small number of patients. What is activated charcoal and is it safe? The health benefits of maca powder The health benefits of chlorella. This article was reviewed on 21 March by Kerry Torrens. Kerry Torrens BSc. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. All health content on bbcgoodfood. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information. Have you tried CBD oil and if so, did you find it beneficial? Let us know in the comments below. Subscriber club Reader offers More Good Food. Back to Recipes Healthy budget meals Budget dinners See more. Back to Recipes Freezable family meals Freezable comfort food See more. Back to Recipes Budget-friendly bakes Bread recipes See more. Back to Recipes Veggie microwave meals Microwave puddings See more. Back to Recipes Easy dinner Quick and easy See more. Back to Recipes Picnic recipes Barbecue ideas See more. Back to Recipes Slow cooker suppers Noodle recipes See more. Back to Recipes Mocktail ideas Smoothie recipes See more. Back to Recipes Whole foods recipes Healthy dinners See more. Back to Recipes German desserts Polish baking See more.