Is CBD dangerous for humans? The World Health Organization has confirmed that it does not appear to present any potential for abuse or harm to health. A newly published study confirms that high doses of CBD are safe for humans.

Is CBD Dangerous?

There is growing interest in the use of purified cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for a wide range of conditions due to its anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antiemetic, and anticonvulsant properties.

The objective of this study was to assess the danger of CBD: safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. This is done by administering a single ascending dose of a novel oral lipid-based formulation of Cannabidiol to healthy volunteers after a high-fat meal.

It was published by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Medicinal Cannabis, Melbourne, Australia.

Up to 20mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight

A total of 24 eligible healthy volunteers (aged 18-48) were randomized into one of three sequential cohorts (each with six active subjects and two placebo subjects). Cohort 1 received 5 mg / kg of CBD or placebo, cohort 2 received 10 mg / kg of CBD or placebo (Cohort 2) and cohort 3 received 20 mg / kg of CBD or placebo. Data on adverse events, vital signs, clinical laboratory evaluations, physical examinations, and concomitant medications were collected to assess safety and tolerability.

CBD was well tolerated in healthy volunteers (mean age: 24.0 years) treated with a single oral dose of CBD. There were no safety concerns with increasing the dose, and the safety profiles of subjects treated with CBD and patients on placebo were similar. The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse events (TEEs) were headache (17%) and diarrhea (8%). No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported.

After a high-fat meal, CBD was detected in plasma samples 15 minutes after administration. Half Terminal Elimination – Lifespan was around 70h, suggesting that 2-3 weeks are needed to eliminate CBD.

Conclusion of the study

This new formulation of CBD demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in healthy volunteers consistent with the profiles reported for other purified CBD products. No serious side effects were observed in this study, and there were no safety concerns.