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Many products containing cannabidiol or CBD are on the market and are therefore easy to access. However, their adverse effects are still poorly understood by consumers. The academy of medicine has looked into the subject and pleads for better regulation. The point of view of Dr Philippe Arvers, addictologist.
The best-known molecules derived from hemp are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a psychotropic present in cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-addictive. “but whose adverse effects deserve to be better known” underlines the Academy of Medicine in a press release.
CBD: many products available on the market
Touted for its properties to “relieve anxiety, stress or pain, improve sleep, even help with weaning from cannabis”CBD is widely marketed whether in “oils, cosmetic products, food products (alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, sweets, herbal teas), and products for veterinary use” remind the Sages.
Maximum THC level of 0.3%
As such, they specify that the products “containing CBD must not exceed a level of 0.3% THC (the psychoactive substance of cannabis)” and “may not, under pain of criminal penalties, claim therapeutic claims, unless they have been authorized as medicinal products“.
Moreover, they point out,with regard to European regulations on novel foods, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has suspended the evaluation of CBD pending additional data on safety of use”.
What are the side effects of CBD?
Although it is a substance most often of natural origin, CBD can cause certain “side effects, such as digestive upset, liver toxicity, drowsiness, or fatigue“. Effects related to the dose consumed.
In addition, “there is also a risk of interaction with many drugs, all the higher as the dose of CBD consumed is high” further specifies the Academy of Medicine. Dr. Arvers also warns against possible interactions between CBD and treatments: “CBD can increase or decrease the effect of a drug, it is recommended not to take it without the advice of a doctor or pharmacist for people on treatment”.
Possible positive tests while driving or playing sports
Finally, remember that “depending on the THC concentration, the quantity and the frequency of use of the product containing CBD, it is therefore possible that the sample of a CBD user will test positive for THC, during sport or as part of the road safety“. An observation made by Dr. Arvers also. “I work with the military, I had to warn them of the risks of testing positive for THC if they take CBD, because it is totally forbidden in the context of their functions” emphasizes the addictologist again.
So many arguments that lead the Sages to issue several recommendations concerning this type of product, namely that:
- “The information on the packaging of non-pharmaceutical products containing CBD should be improved: risk of drug interactions; procedure for reporting an adverse effect; risks associated with driving; risk of a positive test for THC in the context of road safety or Sport ;
- Users are informed of the dose in milligrams of CBD consumed per intake, and that, if it exceeds 50 mg/day, this intake should be preceded, in the event of ongoing drug treatment, by prior research with a health professional ( doctor, pharmacist), possible drug interactions, and does not lead to discontinuation of drug treatment;
- Given the diversity of products containing CBD, the regulations and conditions of access to these products are harmonised, so that users have information, or even appropriate support, in the event of use of these products;
- Research is exploring the hypothesis that the consumption of smoked CBD may constitute a behavioral inducement to the use of cigarettes (tobacco or cannabis)”.