CBD has the potential to harm you, and harm can happen even before you become aware of it.
CBD can cause liver injury.
CBD can affect how other drugs you are taking work, potentially causing serious side effects.
Use of CBD with alcohol or other drugs that slow brain activity, such as those used to treat anxiety, panic, stress, or sleep disorders, increases the risk of sedation and drowsiness, which can lead to injuries.
Male reproductive toxicity, or damage to fertility in males or male offspring of women who have been exposed, has been reported in studies of animals exposed to CBD.
CBD can cause side effects that you might notice. These side effects should improve when CBD is stopped or when the amount used is reduced.
Changes in alertness, most commonly experienced as somnolence (drowsiness or sleepiness).
Gastrointestinal distress, most commonly experienced as diarrhea and/or decreased appetite.
Changes in mood, most commonly experienced as irritability and agitation.
There are many important aspects about CBD that we just don’t know, such as:
What happens if you take CBD daily for sustained periods of time?
What level of intake triggers the known risks associated with CBD?
How do different methods of consumption affect intake (e.g., oral consumption, topical , smoking or vaping)?
What is the effect of CBD on the developing brain (such as on children who take CBD)?
What are the effects of CBD on the developing fetus or breastfed newborn?
How does CBD interact with herbs and other plant materials?
Does CBD cause male reproductive toxicity in humans, as has been reported in studies of animals?
The FDA recognizes the significant public interest in cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds, particularly CBD. However, there are many unanswered questions about the science, safety, and quality of products containing CBD. The agency is working on answering these questions through ongoing efforts including feedback from a recent FDA hearing and information and data gathering through a public docket.
The FDA is concernedthat people may mistakenly believe that using CBD “can’t hurt.” The agency wants to be clear that we have seen only limited data about CBD’s safety and these data point to real risks that need to be considered. As part of the drug review and approval process for the prescription drug containing CBD, it was determined that the risks are outweighed by the benefits of the approved drug for the particular population for which it was intended. Consumer use of any CBD products should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
* The FDA is working to answer questions about the science, safety, and quality of products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds, particularly CBD.