Does CBD Affect The Liver?
July 1, 2020
CBD has become a plant extract that people used to shy from to a beloved medicinal product that has changed the way we view herbal medications. Often times, people are left burdened with unseen long term side effects that are debilitating: from liver issues to cardiac anomalies, and an increased risk of blood clots and strokes. What makes this all the more vicious is that these effects surface when people come of age. This further set the stage for CBD to announce itself and finally, in 2018, the passing of the Farm Bill meant that we can legally buy and consume CBD, without the fear of the long arm of the law grabbing us by the collar.
Of all the wondrous benefits that CBD is able to offer, one that has come with sharp criticism is the adverse effects it is supposed to have on the liver. Is there a connection between CBD and liver? Or is this a ploy to fuse the skyrocketing climb of the CBD industry? We shall find out. Read on…
CBD 101
CBD or cannabidiol is obtained from the now legal hemp plant, which belongs to the family of cannabis. The difference that sets hemp and cannabis apart is the difference in the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the intoxicating substance that induces the feeling of euphoria and intoxication- marijuana has close to 40% of its dry weight comprising of THC, whereas hemp plant has a measly 0.3%, which is barely enough to make a dent.
CBD is highly therapeutic in its properties and is not psychoactive, it doesn’t intoxicate. You can function at your best with the help of CBD and enhance focus as well, rather than diminish it.
CBD And The Liver: What Does The Study Tell Us?
A recent research at the University of Arkansas studied the effects of varying doses of CBD on a group of 8-week-old mice. The mice were given high doses, which was equivalent to 200mg of CBD in humans. The result was a clear indication of liver toxicity.
The issue that this study brings light to is that 200mg is an unusually high dosage to be consumed by a human, which is not applicable. Further, we need to wrap our heads around the fact that too much of anything, irrespective of how good or nourishing it is, will eventually be detrimental for us. 8 glasses of water a day- which is, in essence, the life-giving gift that bore life on this very planet- will refresh and make sure that we function properly. The minute you have 40 glasses of water, you will risk the chance of killing yourself because of water intoxication. At the end of the day, it all boils down to how much you take; CBD is no less immune to this phenomenon than good old drinking water.
What The Experts Have To Say
Their views are in sync and are best concluded with their opinion that there isn’t a need to worry. The therapeutic dose for CBD varies anywhere from 0.5 mg/kg/day to 20mg/kg/day. The dosage that the mice were given was much higher than what a human would ever take. To put that into perspective, that would be a 150 pound adult taking in 1300mg of CBD a day! The safe range would be from 10-80 mg per day, and the dosage can be increased to 100mg in the case of treating insomnia, flare ups and relief from excruciating pain.
What You Should Take Care Of
If there is any lesson we can draw from this study, it is that dosing is important. This however would not mean that CBD users are completely out of harm’s way. The risk is very much real, especially given the fact that there is no federal regulation for many of the CBD products that are sold over the counter- FDA is yet to tighten the reins on the CBD industry.
Because of this, make sure to buy from well-known CBD manufacturers which have a good track record of putting out quality CBD products. Be sure to read reviews and dig through various forums and get feedback from customers who have purchased and used their products. Take the time out for doing this, as it comes to your health and wellness; something you can’t put a price on.
In addition, make sure to consult your doctor before you take CBD, especially if you are taking other medications. How CBD use interacts with each and every other medication is unknown, and it is best that you bring in the expertise of a medical professional before venturing out.
The Conclusion
. Take care of the CBD supplier you get your CBD products from, and the rest of your troubles should be taken care of by CBD.