Urgent warning as trendy over-the-counter drug found to spark 'silent killer'
A new study has revealed how low doses of popular CBD edibles and oils may cause "silent" damage. Experts at the Food and Drug Administration's Division (FDA) conducted a randomised double-blind clinical trial last year - considered to be the gold standard - involving more than 200 people.
Scientists wanted to asses how low-dose of cannabidiol, also known as CBD, affected liver function in a group of healthy middle-aged men and women. They looked for any dangerous liver enzyme spikes in people who consumed the cannabis.
Researchers discovered that eight CBD users developed spikes above the safe threshold between weeks three and four. According to the study published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine, seven participants dropped out due to liver concerns. The liver enzyme returned to normal within one or two weeks of stopping CBD.
'This is a significant finding, as it suggests that CBD itself, even in the absence of other drugs, may pose a risk to liver health,' says Amir Englund, a researcher at King's College London, who was not involved in the new trial.
"The results have important implications for individuals using over-the-counter CBD supplements. Many may be unaware of the potential for liver injury and assume that CBD is entirely benign', she added.
Experts said it was concerning that participants with elevated liver enzymes did not notice any symptoms until the fourth week. Higher levels of enzymes harm the liver, with damage often progressing silently. In serious cases, it can lead to liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.
Paul Watkins, professor of pharmacy at the University of North Carolina, has now warned that those using CBD regularly should seek medical advice.
'This was an important observation from the study,' Dr Watkins said. 'When doctors get liver chemistry results back and they're out of whack, they should be aware to ask, 'Were you taking CBD?' Because a lot of people are.'
CBD originates from the marijuana plant, but does not contain THC, the chemical that causes a high. It is a legal substance that has grown in popularity and is found in gummies, tablets, and oils.
Eight of the participants received 2.5mg of CBD per 2.2lbs of their bodyweight twice a day and showed elevated levels of liver enzymes.
In the US, CBD product sales increased from $108million to a staggering $1.9billion between 2014 and 2022. It comes after President Trump passed a bill in 2018 to allow the unrestricted sale of cannabis products containing less than 0.3% THC, the element that gets people high.
Around 62million Americans between the ages of 12 and above have used marijuana in the past year. It is estimated nearly 18 people consume the drug daily.
Although CBD products have become popular for self-medication for chronic pain conditions, anxiety, insomnia, and depression, there has been little study on how well they work.
Researchers added: "There are knowledge gaps surrounding potential health risks associated with CBD at doses consistent with unregulated consumer products, including liver damage and male reproductive harm."
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While it's hard to generalize about effects, Piomelli notes that 'for a person in their 20s to 40s, weighing anywhere from 50-80kg (110-175lbs), 10-20mg of THC per serving would be enough to produce a noticeable buzz – definitely not enough to cause a full-blown high for someone who isn't a regular user.' Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion 'I always say: know before you go,' says Harvard neuroscientist Staci Gruber, who directs the longest-running study of medical cannabis use in the United States. 'What's your goal? Are you looking for mild relaxation or trying to manage chronic pain? Your intention should guide your choice of product.' Many of these THC drinks also include CBD, which is one of the main non-intoxicating components of cannabis, and alters the experience. 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'It really depends on the person,' says Ziva Cooper, director of the University of California at Los Angeles Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Factors like someone's age, individual vulnerability and what they're doing while intoxicated can influence the effects, as can frequency and dose of ingestion. 'Some people may have a family history of psychosis or mood disorders,' says Cooper. 'Others may be using very high doses regularly.' But there are risks either way: 'Some are associated with frequent use, and others with being a novice user. One unexpected risk we're now seeing is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome – basically, heavy users presenting to the ER with severe nausea and vomiting. That was completely off the radar a few years ago.' Cooper notes that scientific research is still lagging behind the market. 'We need better data, more funding and more research, especially because half the adult population is using cannabis products in some form now,' she says. 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