The UK Food and Drug Administration has reduced the recommended safe daily dose of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis extract found in many different products including drinks and snacks.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says the advice is precautionary as long-term use can cause liver and other health problems. Adults are advised not to exceed 10 milligrams cannabidiol use per day. The previous recommended safe daily dose, from 2020, was 70 milligrams.
Health risks
And the FSA warns that some products available in stores and online contain more than 10 milligrams of CBD per serving, which equates to around four to five drops of 5% CBD oil. FSA's chief scientific adviser Prof. Robin May told BBC: “The more CBD you consume over your lifetime, the more likely you are to experience long-term adverse effects such as liver damage or thyroid problems. The level of risk is related to the amount you ingest, just as it is with some other potentially harmful products, such as alcoholic beverages.”
Two independent committees reviewed the scientific evidence, including data submitted by manufacturers of CBD products. The FSA, which has regulated the CBD market since 2019, says there appears to be no “acute safety risk” from consuming 10 milligrams of CBD per day, but regular consumption above this level could pose health risks.
CBD products come in many forms and can be sold as: oils, drops, tinctures and sprays, gel capsules, but also as edibles such as candy, bread, cookies, chocolate and drinks.
CBD is considered safe
The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry examines the evidence behind the FSA recommendations: “We emphasize to consumers that these guidelines demonstrate that the FSA continues to consider CBD to be safe and that their advice covers the lifelong consumption of daily high doses of CBD,” said a spokesperson.
The recommendation is only advisory in nature: regulators do not ask that products be removed from the shelves. Food Standards Scotland has issued the same advice. Emily Miles, CEO of the FSA, said: “We understand that this change in our advice will impact products currently on the market that contain more than 10mg of CBD per serving.
“We will work closely with the industry to minimize the risk and ensure consumers are not exposed to potentially harmful levels of CBD.” The FSA has a list of CBD food products currently under review. Inclusion on the list is no guarantee that they will be authorized, but products not listed may not be sold in England and Wales.
Source: BBC.com (EN)
