Safety Alert for Long-Term CBD Use
Experts are sounding the alarm over the potential dangers of regular, long-term cannabidiol (CBD) consumption, including harm to the liver and thyroid.
Watchdog organizations have raised significant concerns about CBD products that have garnered celebrity endorsements, such as those promoted by Claudia Winkleman, for purported health and well-being benefits.
FSA’s Warning and New Limit
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a major safety alert, asserting that sustained consumption of CBD derived from the marijuana plant could be ‘potentially harmful’ to vital organs like the liver and thyroid.
Consequently, the FSA has taken a groundbreaking step by drastically reducing the recommended daily intake limit for CBD from 70mg to a mere 10mg.
This marks the first time that any government food watchdog worldwide has established such a limit for CBD.
Impact on CBD Enthusiasts and Industry
The FSA’s move is likely to raise concerns among the millions of individuals who regularly incorporate CBD into their routines based on claims of anxiety and depression relief, improved sleep and relaxation, and assistance with joint pain.
This announcement also presents a significant challenge to the fast-growing CBD industry, which is valued at £690 million annually and serves over 18 million adults in the UK.
Prominent brands, including TRIP and Cannaray, are impacted, as they offer products with varying CBD concentrations.
Celebrity Endorsements and Industry Players
Celebrities like Claudia Winkleman, Freddie Flintoff, Laura Woods, Jamie Redknapp, Lisa Snowdon, Anthony Joshua, and George Kruis have been associated with CBD brands.
Their endorsements add to the industry’s visibility and consumer trust. However, these endorsements are now under scrutiny due to the FSA’s safety concerns.
Safety Assurance from CBD Manufacturers
CBD manufacturers, like Naturecan, have defended their products, asserting their safety.
The FSA has acknowledged that there is ‘no acute safety risk’ associated with consuming more than 10mg of CBD daily.
While high-strength CBD products are not banned, the FSA plans to collaborate with manufacturers to address their apprehensions and improve product safety.
Understanding Risk and CBD Consumption
Professor Robin May at the FSA has elucidated the risks associated with CBD consumption, highlighting that the more CBD an individual consumes over their lifetime, the higher the likelihood of developing long-term adverse effects, including liver damage and thyroid issues.
The level of risk corresponds to the quantity consumed, similar to how certain other potentially harmful products like alcoholic beverages are assessed.
Industry Response
The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry has responded to the FSA’s warnings, expressing its intent to examine the scientific evidence behind these concerns.
Their scientific panel aims to better understand the basis for the FSA’s conclusions and the potential implications for the CBD industry.
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