The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued updated guidelines recommending that healthy adults should limit their use of Cannabidiol (CBD) from food products to no more than 10 milligrams (mg) per day. This advice marks a significant reduction from the previous guidance, which deemed 70 mg per day as safe.
The FSA maintains that certain groups should avoid CBD altogether. These groups include children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals trying to conceive, and those taking medication without consulting a medical professional. Since January 2019, all CBD food products must seek authorization before being legally sold in Great Britain.
New Evidence and Safety Concerns
The updated guidance from the FSA is based on new evidence from the CBD industry and the latest findings from the FSA Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP). The average lifetime exposure to CBD products, including drinks, oils, sweets, bakery items, and drops, has been considered in this new advice.
Although using more than 10 mg of CBD per day does not pose an immediate safety risk, evidence suggests that higher lifetime consumption increases the likelihood of long-term adverse effects, such as liver damage or thyroid issues. The risk is dose-dependent, similar to other products like alcohol.
Implications for the CBD Industry
The FSA acknowledges that this change will affect products currently available on the market that contain more than 10 mg of CBD per serving. The agency plans to collaborate with industry stakeholders to minimize risk and ensure users are not exposed to harmful levels of CBD.
In February 2020, the FSA had advised that healthy adults should not exceed 70 mg of CBD per day, based on limited evidence from studies where CBD was used as a medicine. Following this initial advice, the FSA requested data from the CBD industry to conduct a safety assessment for CBD use in food products.
Scientific Review and Recommendations
A joint subgroup of the Committee on Toxicity (COT) and ACNFP, both independent scientific committees advising the FSA, reviewed the safety evidence submitted by the CBD industry.
Based on the new evidence the new evidence, the subgroup recommended an acceptable daily use of 0.15 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, which translates to 10 mg of 98 percent pure CBD per day for an average weight adult.
The FSA's updated advice considers this review and aims to ensure the safety of users based on the latest scientific data.
Personal Perspective
As a person following this evolving story, it is clear that the FSA's updated guidance underscores the importance of ongoing research and evidence-based recommendations. While the potential benefits of CBD are widely discussed, ensuring user safety remains paramount.
The reduction from 70 mg to 10 mg per day is a significant shift, reflecting new understandings of CBD's long-term effects. As consumers, it's crucial to stay informed and heed expert advice to make safe and informed choices about our health and wellness products.
