New Study Supports Safety of CBD
Apr 17th 2024
Since the beginning of the CBD boom back in 2018, both consumers, producers, and government agents have been calling for research into the efficacy and safety of CBD. Thanks to researchers at health firm, Validcare, we now have the supporting evidence we have been looking for!
Scientists at Validcare conducted a comprehensive study of over 1,000 oral CBD-users aged 18 - 75, and provided data that addresses a number of safety concerns regarding orally-ingested CBD; the data specifically addresses safety concerns that have been presented by the Food and Drug Administration. Throughout the study, the firm regularly obtained feedback from the FDA on research protocols.
The first part of the peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Medicine, analyzed how CBD products from various manufacturers affected liver functions of 839 participants.
The second part of the study looked at an additional 222 participants and 5 CBD companies. "The participation of the additional study subjects strengthened the statistical reliability of both the liver safety results and achieved statistical relevance for both sleep and testosterone results, according to the researchers."
The results of the study show that daily consumption of CBD, even across a wide range of product types and serving sizes, is "not associated with elevated liver tests, low testosterone levels, or daytime drowsiness."
This study's results further highlight the need for the FDA to officially recognize and regulate CBD as a safe, natural supplement.
When the production and sale of CBD and hemp was legalized after the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA was tasked with creating a clear, regulatory framework for CBD, but has since taken no meaningful steps towards regulation, claiming that they "need more real-world data to move forward."
Blake Schroeder, CEO of one of the companies who participated in the study, had this to say: "Participating in this study has allowed us to help provide regulators, scientists, product formulators, and other stakeholders with the evidence needed to prove the safety profile of CBD...We hope that this, in addition to our other research efforts in Brazil and Mexico, will not only help break the stigma around CBD but that it will also help legislators understand the importance of free, legal access to the entire cannabis plant."
The results of this study are a huge step towards comprehensive regulation for these safe, natural products. Government agencies now have evidence supporting the idea that CBD consumption is safe for the liver, does not cause day-time drowsiness, does not have a negative affect on testosterone levels, nor does CBD seem to cause reproductive harm.
"These results bode very well for supporting the hemp industry against the fears that FDA had previously stated which had been a hurdle in their regulatory process."
There is always more research that needs to be conducted, but this study is a great first step towards fully understanding the benefits and risks associated with daily CBD use.
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