Cannabidiol (CBD) – Potential Harms, Side Effects, and Unknowns

While CBD (cannabidiol) has been marketed as a treatment for many health issues, there is a lack of evidence to substantiate these claims.

Potential risks and harms of CBD include liver toxicity, damaging effects on reproduction and development, and drug interactions.

CBD products, with the exception of Epidiolex, are not FDA approved. Federal standards for "content, purity, or potency" of CBD products do not exist.

Quallity control is lacking in the manufacturing process and harmful contminates (biological and chemical, including THC) may be introduced to the product.

CBD concentration noted in product marketing may be more or less than actual because of the lack in quality control.

Because federal restrictions on growing cannabis with low THC content were lifted in 2018, the market has been flooded with a range of CBD products in many forms, such as edibles, topicals, fabrics and beverages.

Up to one-third of Americans reported using CBD products in 2020.

Products sold as CBD may actually be THC or contaminated THC products.

Read full article on SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Download PDF