CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of more than 80 chemicals in the Cannabidiol sativa, or hemp, plant. The plant has been used as a medical drug, and the FDA approved a prescription drug containing CBD for treating certain seizure disorders in 2018. CBD does not have the psychoactive ingredient known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana that produces a high. CBD is available as oil, capsules, tinctures, vape juice for refillable electronic cigarettes, and even food products like drinks and beauty items.

It’s often marketed as a natural, safe, and effective treatment for anxiety, pain, sleep problems, depression, inflammation, and many other health conditions. But there’s still a lot we don’t know about the potential benefits and risks of CBD.

CBD vs. THC: Understanding the Difference between Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol

FDA has received reports of serious adverse events from patients using cannabis and cannabis-derived products. We monitor these reports through our MedWatch system and will continue to investigate any new safety signals that emerge. Until further evidence is available, consumers should continue to use products containing CBD only under the supervision of a doctor. Consumers who have concerns about a product should contact the manufacturer and report any adverse events through the FDA’s MedWatch system online or by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088.