Study shows CBD may not be associated with liver abnormalities

A new study has shown that CBD is not associated with liver abnormalities in healthy volunteers despite concerns.

The study published in the journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid research revealed that the use of oral CBD is not associated with liver abnormality. This includes the elevated production of certain liver enzymes.

Previous studies on CBD and the liver have reported conflicting results. One fear is that it may impact the body’s ability to absorb medications.

CBD and the liver research

Researchers conducted the study on a group of 1,500 volunteers over a period of thirty days. The observational study then recorded all the data through an app platform. This included demographic information, medical history, reasons for taking, dosage, adverse effects and efficacy. Patients were recruited through different CBD companies so they were already familiar with the products.

A selection of different products was used including full-spectrum (55.7 per cent), CBD-isolate at 40.5 per cent and broad-spectrum at 3.8 per cent.

After 30 days, patients with elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) values were given a follow-up appointment. ALT is an enzyme found in the liver whose function is to convert protein into energy. High levels of ALT may mean damage from hepatitis, infection, cancer or other conditions.

Liver results

Lab testing showed no association between the CBD products and liver abnormalities.

When it came to the alleviated ALT levels in 33 of the patients, in further liver tests, 21 were reported as normal while 8 remained the same. There were four cases of increased ALT of which, one returned to normal levels.

They wrote: “(There is) no relationship between continuing to take CBD, a daily dose of CBD and ALT levels or change in ALT elevation severity.”