So... is CBD bad for us now? The 'safe dosage' has just been changed
Touted as an effective remedy for pain relief and anxiety, cannabidiol (better known to us as CBD) is fairly popular and commonplace in numerous products across the UK.
Oils, capsules and gummies containing the ingredient are widely available and easily picked up in may high-street health stores.
However, experts are now warning that long-term use of CBD products could end up having an adverse effect on our bodies.
So are those gummies we’re snacking on doing more harm than good? We’ve got your back…
What is CBD?
CBD is derived from cannabis plants, but does not contain the same psychoactive properties associated with the Class B drug.
Dr Nazreen Morley (MbChB, MRCGP), explains in the UK, CBD should only have negligiable amounts of THC - which is what makes people feel "high" when they smoke it.
"Is it thought to affect receptors in the central nervous system (though research is still very much on going). Evidence points to the fact that it may help with pain relief and calming feelings of anxiety, though much more research is required."
It is commonly used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. In some cases, it has been used to treat seizures.
What is the recommended safe dosage of CBD?
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), who have regulated the CBD market sine 2019, has now lowered the recommended daily amount of the substance to 10 miligrams per day.
It’s a significant drop from what was previously recommended in 2020, which was around 70 miligrams per day.
The decision to lower the intake comes after two independent committees reviewed scientific evidence of the substance, which included data submitted by CBD manufacturers.
Professor Robin May, the chief scientific advisor to the FSA, explained: “The more CBD you consume over your lifetime, the more likely you are to develop long-term adverse effects, like liver damage or thyroid issues.
"The level of risk is related to how much you take, in the same way it is with some other potentially harmful products such as alcoholic drinks."
Dr Morley stresses that those taking CBD products should ensure they are checking the strength of what they're ingesting.
"They all have different strengths and concentrations," she says of CBD products. "And then add to the mix capsules which will generally show the dosage per capsule and it can be very confusing to be sure how much CBD you are actually taking.
"So the first thing I would say is read the packaging very clearly on any CBD product you buy. Capsules make it easier to get an exact dose than oil does too.
"Always start on a lower dosage before gradually increasing."
What are the side-effects of CBD?
According to the FSA, long-term, high dosage use of CBD could include liver and thyroid illnesses. However, research into this is still being scrutinised.
"When you take CBD it is your liver that has the task of metabolising it," Dr Morley says. "So, as is the case with many substances, we are always cautious about how much might be too much."
Short-term effects of CBD can also include dry mouth, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue.
What should you do if you're worried about taking CBD?
If the news about dosage recommendations being lowered has made you think twice about your next packet of CBD gummies, Dr Morley says that it's best to speak to your doctor about what you'd want to take CBD for.
"If it's for pain relief and you're struggling with chronic pain, I would very much suggest you speak to your GP who would potentially refer you for specialist medical help in managing pain," she says.
"If it's for anxiety, once again, please do go to your GP. There are talking therapies and medications proven very effective in the treatment of anxiety.
"Exercise is another great option for people with anxiety and this, when coupled with other forms of help, may help you to feel less anxious.
"And if you feel taking CBD doesn't fit right with you, stop taking it."
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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