This is a valid question when beginning to take any new substance, so we understand why we have been asked this. Luckily, the answer is pretty straightforward.
No, CBD has no known toxic effects, including the toxicity of the liver even when it is taken in macro doses of 2,500mg per day. Even the U.S. government has a patent indicating that there are no toxic effects at 700mg every day. Keep in mind that the average recommended dose for cannabidiol is only 20mg.
CBD toxicity has been reported in mice when they are given astronomical doses. The study in question is the one that started the rumors about CBD’s toxicity. The dosage used to damage the mice’s livers in this study? 2.5g of CBD per kg! To find the equivalent dose for the average human male, we have to do some basic math. The average adult male weighs 62 kg. 2.5g for every 62 kg of bodyweight comes out to 155g or 155,000mg of CBD every day. Even if cannabidiol impacts humans in the same way as it does mice, this dose range makest CBD a very ineffective poison.
All sarcasm aside, the CBD used in this experiment was extracted using hexane. Hexane is considered the most toxic member of its family when compared to its sister compounds methane and propane. In reality, the study fails to determine whether it was the hexane or the CBD that damaged the mice’s livers.
We always encourage our readers to use the minimum effective dose of cannabidiol, which is well below the large safety range mentioned above. To find your minimum dose, start with a microdose of 5 to 10mg of CBD twice a day. Each day add roughly 2.5-5 mg of CBD until the desired effect is achieved. Also, consider that cannabidiol begins to work in 15 minutes when administered sublingually, or under the tongue, but its efficiency increases when taken continuously for a period of a few days to a week.
CBD and the CYP450 System
There is another detail that has curious individuals asking, “Is CBD toxic to liver functioning?” This detail is cannabidiol’s interaction with the CYP450 System. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are primarily found in the liver and are directly related to drug metabolism.
In animal studies, it has been shown that CBD will inhibit the activity of CYP450. This inhibition means that other drugs and medications may break down slower than usual. Although this may seem like a factor in liver disease, it is usually the opposite action that leads to liver toxicity. In many instances of liver disease, CYP activity is accelerated! Perhaps, CBD administration could actually help protect the liver, although there is not enough research to support this statement.
To date, there are no known interactions between CBD and other medications/drugs. However, if you are interested in looking at a list of substances that are broken down by CYP450, you can use this resource.
Beyond CBD Liver Toxicity: CBD Oil Side Effects
For a full break down on the suspected CBD oil side effects, you can read our earlier CBD article covering the subject. In this article, we will take a quick glance at what has been reported. It is important to note that none of these effects have been proven or understood by science. We are only working with anecdotal incidents that do not take other factors into account.
Some users report that they have experienced mild dry mouth, sedation, changes in blood pressure, and lightheadedness. These effects, to our knowledge, have not been reproduced in scientific studies. As such, there is a question of the purity of the products that were ingested. If the cannabidiol they were taking was not lab tested, then it could contain impurities, such as pesticides, extraction solvents, and THC. Anyone of these elements could contribute to the experiences listed above.
The one side effect that should be examined would be the possible changes in blood pressure. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), the primary target of cannabidiol, does help to regulate blood pressure. The proper care and feeding of the ECS via foods containing omega fatty acids, and natural supplements should help to stabilize blood pressure instead of negatively impacting it. Despite this correlation, cannabidiol has not been found to interact with any other medications, including those that influence blood pressure. However, we always recommend consulting a physician before beginning any new supplement routine.
Lab Testing For Safety
The reported side effects that haven’t been connected to cannabidiol, and the dangerous presence of hexane in the CBD products that harmed the mice, indicate an essential need for lab testing. If you are a regular reader of ours, you know this by heart already. Still, it needs to be said.
Never purchase cannabidiol products without first finding independent lab tests.
Ours can be found here. No pesticides, no residual solvents, no THC. Just our powerful MCT carrier oil, and all-natural CBD. We have a long list of customer testimonials that instead of mentioning unwanted side effects, actually indicate positive boosts to health, wellness, and happiness!