FDA Shines Spotlight on CBD Liver Effects by Issuing Statement About Possible Damaging Risks

Dr. Amy Abernethy of the FDA recently tweeted about the FDA’s work on addressing the questions concerning CBD.

The tweet states,

1/3 FDA is expediting its work to address the many questions about cannabidiol (CBD). This is an important national issue with public health impact, & an important topic for American hemp farmers and many other stakeholders. pic.twitter.com/XQbXb0KspU

— Dr. Amy Abernethy (@DrAbernethyFDA) July 12, 2019

She added in the tweet,

“We are enthusiastic about research into the therapeutic benefits of CBD products but also need to balance safety. To understand the breadth of issues and gather data on safety we have conducted a public hearing, reviewed the medical literature and have an open public docket.”

It appears that the FDA’s efforts are already underway. The agency recently posted a statement titled What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD.

The statement explains that the FDA is working to learn more about the safety of CBD and its products. Specifically, its effects, such as whether it could cause toxicity to the liver due to regular CBD ingestion over a long period of time. The statement also indicates that the FDA “recognizes the significant public interest” in CBD. It makes note of the FDA hearing on the matter held on May 31, and last year’s FDA approval of “one prescription drug product” containing CBD, Epidiolex. But by way of explaining the delay in the regs, the statement lowers the boom: “However, there are many unanswered questions about the science, safety and quality of products containing CBD.”

In addition, the statement also indicates that the FDA identified safety risks to the liver during its review of Epidiolex’s marketing application.

As the statement shares, the agency,

“identified certain safety risks, including the potential for liver injury. These are serious risks that can be managed when an FDA-approved CBD drug product is taken under medical supervision, but it is less clear how these risks might be managed when CBD is used far more widely, without medical supervision and not in accordance with FDA-approved labeling.”

The FDA’s statement highlights the need for more research into CBD and its long-term effects. It also shows that there are still a great deal of questions concerning its effects.