UK Regulators Lower Recommended Daily CBD Dose Amid Health Concerns
In a significant move that's sure to impact the CBD industry, UK food regulators have lowered the recommended safe daily dose of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis extract commonly found in various High Street products such as drinks and snacks. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have issued new advice, citing potential risks of liver and thyroid issues associated with long-term CBD consumption.
The latest FSA guidance advises healthy adults to limit their daily CBD intake from food to a maximum of 10 milligrams, equivalent to about four to five drops of 5% CBD oil. This marks a significant reduction from the previous recommended daily dose of 70 milligrams, or around 28 drops of 5% CBD oil, established in 2020. According to FSA chief scientific advisor Prof. Robin May, "The more CBD you consume over your lifetime, the more likely you are to develop long-term adverse effects, like liver damage or thyroid issues. The level of risk is related to how much you take, in the same way it is with some other potentially harmful products such as alcoholic drinks."
This change comes as a result of evidence gathered by the Committee on Toxicity (COT) and the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes who reviewed the scientific data, including information submitted by CBD product manufacturers. While the FSA has been regulating the CBD market since 2019, it now emphasises that there doesn't appear to be an "acute safety risk" from consuming more than 10 milligrams of CBD per day. However, regular consumption above this limit could pose potential health risks.
CBD is derived from cannabis and lacks the psychoactive properties associated with THC. It is sold in various forms as a supplement and is often used to treat conditions like pain or insomnia. FSA warns that certain groups, including children, pregnant women, and individuals taking other medications, should avoid using CBD.
While the new guidance is advisory, it has the potential to disrupt the market as there are products currently available with CBD levels exceeding the recommended 10 milligrams per serving. However, the FSA is not requesting the removal of these products from store shelves. Consumers are urged to check product labels to monitor their daily CBD consumption and consider potential adjustments in light of the updated advice. The FSA continues to emphasise the importance of being cautious when consuming edible CBD products and will work with the industry to minimise potential risks for consumers exposed to high CBD levels.
