Last verified: 17 days ago
Cannabidiol
Also known as: CBD, cannabidiol, Cannabis sativa extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Non-psychoactive cannabis compound. Approved for pediatric epilepsy; emerging evidence for pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
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What it does
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is the only cannabinoid with FDA-approved pharmaceutical use — specifically for certain forms of...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose for most conditions; 400–1200 mg/day used in pain studies; up to 10 mg/kg twice daily in cardiac studies
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Found in
Sunday Scaries, CBD Living Gel Capsules 750mg, Vegamour Gro+ Advanced Hair Serum and 1 more
What the Science Says
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is the only cannabinoid with FDA-approved pharmaceutical use — specifically for certain forms of drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy — where clinical studies show meaningful seizure reduction in roughly 40% of patients who stay on treatment. Emerging clinical research also suggests CBD may help modulate pain signaling, reduce inflammation in cardiac tissue, and have anxiolytic effects, though most of these applications require larger confirmatory trials before firm conclusions can be drawn.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't get you high — it's non-psychoactive. Not proven to cure anxiety on its own; daily cannabis use for anxiety shows mixed results. No solid evidence it helps with fatigue or depression. Not proven to treat Parkinson's disease in humans — animal and lab data only. Facial filler and skin-aging applications are experimental lab research, not consumer supplement evidence. Won't reliably suppress appetite — one study found it actually increased calorie intake.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduces seizure frequency and severity in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Weight-based dosing; varies by formulation
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Enhances the body's natural pain-dampening system at doses of 800–1200 mg in adults with chronic pain.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 800–1200 mg oral
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May reduce heart muscle mass and left atrial volume in patients recovering from acute myocarditis.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Up to 10 mg/kg twice daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May reduce pain and overall fibromyalgia impact when combined with THC in a 1:1 ratio.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 10 mg/mL THC:CBD oil, titrated over 4 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor to Moderate — CBD is highly fat-soluble and poorly absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. Oil-based and emulsion formulations significantly improve absorption. Taking CBD with a fatty meal can substantially increase blood levels. Powder formulations show different pharmacokinetic profiles than oil-based products.
Red Flags to Watch For
- CBD can increase appetite and calorie intake — one clinical trial found a 193 kcal increase at lunch after a single 298 mg dose, contrary to common weight-loss marketing claims
- Higher doses (1200 mg) may worsen pain sensitivity in people on opioid treatment — timing relative to other medications matters significantly
- Adverse events from medical cannabis programs include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and sedation; THC-dominant products carry higher risk but CBD products are not risk-free
- Nearly half of pediatric epilepsy patients discontinued CBD within 12 months, mostly due to lack of effectiveness or side effects
- Regulatory status varies widely by country and region — legal barriers can affect access and product quality
- Most supplement-grade CBD products are not pharmaceutical-grade; bioavailability and dosing consistency may differ substantially from clinical trial formulations
Products Containing Cannabidiol
See how Cannabidiol is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cannabidiol do?
Non-psychoactive cannabis compound. Approved for pediatric epilepsy; emerging evidence for pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
What is the effective dose of Cannabidiol?
No established dose for most conditions; 400–1200 mg/day used in pain studies; up to 10 mg/kg twice daily in cardiac studies
Is Cannabidiol safe?
CBD can increase appetite and calorie intake — one clinical trial found a 193 kcal increase at lunch after a single 298 mg dose, contrary to common weight-loss marketing claims
What doesn't Cannabidiol do?
Won't get you high — it's non-psychoactive.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25