CBD: Safe and effective? - Mayo Clinic

COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options

Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment Healthy Lifestyle

Consumer health

Products and services

What are the benefits of CBD - and is it safe to use

Answer From Brent A. Bauer, M.D. A prescription cannabidiol (CBD) oil is considered an effective anti-seizure medication. However, further research is needed to determine CBD's other benefits and safety. CBD is a chemical found in marijuana. CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. The usual CBD formulation is oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid and an oil-based capsule. Food, drinks and beauty products are among the many CBD-infused products available online. Currently, the only CBD product approved by the Food and Drug Administration is a prescription oil called Epidiolex. It's approved to treat two types of epilepsy. Aside from Epidiolex, state laws on the use of CBD vary. While CBD is being studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and anxiety, research supporting the drug's benefits is still limited. CBD use also carries some risks. Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners. Another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products. A recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than a quarter of the products contained less CBD than labeled. In addition, THC was found in 18 products. If you plan to use products containing CBD, talk to your doctor. With Brent A. Bauer, M.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe!

Thank you for subscribing

You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

Candida cleanse dietColloidal silver supplements ShareTweet Dec. 18, 2020 Show references Miller B. Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online. JAMA. 2017;318:1708. FDA approves first drug compromised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm611046.htm. Accessed Nov. 20, 2018. State medical marijuana laws. National Conference of State Legislatures. http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx#2. Accessed Nov. 27, 2018. Devinsky O, et al. Effect of cannabidiol on drop seizures in the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2018;378:1888. Cannabidiol. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Nov. 5, 2018. Cannabidiol. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. http://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Accessed Nov. 5, 2018. Portenoy RK, et al. Cancer pain management: Adjuvant analgesics (coanalgesics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 14, 2018. See more Expert Answers

Products and Services

The Mayo Clinic Diet OnlineBook: The Mayo Clinic DietBook: Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief

A Very Happy BrainAcupuncture for back pain?Alternative cancer treatments: 11 options to considerCandida cleanse dietColloidal silver supplementsColon cleansingConsidering complementary therapyDetox foot padsDiabetes treatment: Can cinnamon lower blood sugar?Do infrared saunas have any health benefits?Prickly pear cactusHerbal supplements: Not risk-freeHerbal supplements: Safety firstHerbal supplements and heart drugsKombucha teaKratom: Unsafe and ineffectiveKratom and pregnancy: Not a safe mixKratom for opioid withdrawalLearn to reduce stress through mindful livingMassageMedical marijuanaMeditation 2.0: A new way to meditateMindfulness exercisesMiracle cure or marketing scam?Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?Tai chiTai Chi and Cardiac RehabValerian: A safe and effective herbal sleep aid?Tai chiAlternative psoriasis treatmentsWhat is hot yoga?What is reflexology?Do zinc supplements shorten colds?Show more related content

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book

Mayo Clinic Footer

Request AppointmentSymptom CheckerGive NowContact UsAbout Mayo ClinicEmployeesSite MapAbout This Site

Legal Conditions and Terms

Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage Cookies

Reprint Permissions

A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

TREND NOW

CBD Safe and effective? Mayo Clinic