Is CBD Safe?

Medical professionals, health organizations, and research studies all affirm the safety of cannabidiol.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from the marijuana plant or its close relative, hemp. With the growing popularity of CBD products and the loosening of regulations governing the industry, those curious about trying CBD may wonder if it’s safe. The concern is understandable given the changing regulatory landscape and the unfortunate stigma often associated with cannabis-related compounds.

As CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, it helps regulate such crucial physiological symptoms as appetite, mood, sleep, and pain. CBD influences brain activity by interacting with cell receptors; one of the results of this interaction is the release of serotonin and dopamine.

Thus, although it doesn’t heal directly, CBD can positively affect one of our most important regulatory systems that keeps our body in balance. But is CBD safe? Here’s what researchers and leading health organizations are saying about CBD’s safety.

WHO: CBD Is Safe to Use

In a 2018 report, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared CBD safe for human use: “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”

FDA: CBD Is Beneficial 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called CBD beneficial, a judgment reinforced by the agency’s approval of Epidiolex. Epidiolex is a prescription drug with CBD as its active ingredient used to reduce seizures in two rare forms of epilepsy. According to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb:

This approval serves as a reminder that advancing sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies…Controlled clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of a drug…[are] the most appropriate way to bring marijuana-derived treatments to patients.

A Superior Side-Effect Profile

In a 25-study review of nearly a thousand patients, researchers noted that administration of CBD was “well tolerated with mild side effects.” In one clinical trial, CBD was shown to be safe while demonstrating a “markedly superior side-effect profile” to that of amisulpride. Other research has reported that participants “tolerated CBD very well” and exhibited “no signs of toxicity or serious side effects.”

No Known Potential for Addiction

As in the case of certain other cannabinoids, people have expressed concern about potential addiction in the case of CBD. But studies of the question have found no evidence that might suggest CBD dependence. According to the WHO’s report, “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.” Moreover, as a non-habit-forming substance, CBD does not build tolerance in users. So they don’t need to increase their dosage with prolonged use.

Good Toleration of High Doses

Investigating the potential benefits of CBD, several studies have found that CBD is:

• Does not cause changes in food intake.
• Does not affect heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature.
• Does not affect gastrointestinal or psychological functions.
• Is well tolerated in chronic use, including when high-potency CBD doses are being consumed.

A 2017 “Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol” that looked at 132 clinical studies of CBD concluded that “the often described favorable safety profile of CBD in humans was confirmed and extended” by the research that the authors reviewed.

Importance of Transparency and Testing

Despite growing evidence that taking CBD is safe, it is still important to know what’s in the CBD products that you’re taking, whether the potency stated on product packaging is accurate, and whether the product is pure and free of contaminants. Ensuring this transparency and quality is core to our mission here at Crescent Canna. We encourage you to learn more about our quality control processes and to review results of the independent testing that we require for every product we make.

CBD shows promise in helping us improve our quality of life in a safe way. Our hope at Crescent Canna is that research continues to improve our knowledge of this powerful compound so that we can make the most informed decisions possible about our health and wellness. Contact us if you have questions about choosing the right CBD product and right dosage for your needs.