CBD or cannabidiol is a very popular component, not just in cannabis (marijuana) but it is also an important component in medical marijuana, Harvard Health explains. They further detail how CBD does not make people dependent on it or cause potential substance abuse. However while previous studies like 2024 study published in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal have shown that CBD is unlikely to cause significant harm to daily functioning or workplace performance, researchers have found that liver damage can be a likely outcome of long-term use. Even though cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere these days—think capsules, gummies, edibles, oils, and lotions—a recent study suggests that even small amounts might not be entirely safe for your liver. FDA Trial Investigates Low-Dose CBD Effects Researchers from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Division of Applied Regulatory Science conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial last year. The study aimed to assess how low-dose CBD affects liver function in a group of 201 healthy middle-aged men and women. For four weeks, 201 volunteers were given either a typical amount of oral CBD (about 350 mg for someone weighing 154 pounds) or a dummy pill. They had weekly check-ups to see how their bodies were reacting. Liver Enzyme Elevations Observed The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that most people were fine. However, 5% showed significantly higher levels of a liver enzyme called aminotransferase. This enzyme is a known sign of liver damage or inflammation. Women seemed to be more affected than men. The good news is that these liver enzyme levels went back to normal within a week or two after people stopped taking CBD. Also, seven participants dropped out of the study because they were showing signs of possible liver injury caused by the CBD. Researchers called these findings "important." They said it suggests that CBD itself, even without other drugs, might be a risk to liver health. Many people using over-the-counter CBD might not know about this potential for liver damage, assuming CBD is completely harmless. What Liver Problems Look Like Signs of liver damage include stomach discomfort, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and feeling very tired. It's important to know that liver injuries caused by drugs don't always show up right away. In the government study, only one person with high liver enzymes actually felt symptoms within four weeks. This suggests that people might not realize they're hurting their liver. Experts say doctors should ask about regular CBD use during check-ups. This isn't the first study to point out possible liver risks with CBD. Concerns came up before when a government agency reviewed data for CBD-based prescription drugs for childhood epilepsy. In those cases, 14% of patients had raised liver enzymes. While those patients were also taking other seizure medications, the new study suggests CBD alone can be a factor. Research also shows that certain doses of CBD can affect liver cells in a way similar to acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen, when taken too much, is a very common cause of drug-induced liver injury. Who Might Be at Higher Risk? Recent studies show that people who take very high doses of CBD, over 1000 mg per day, are most at risk of liver injury. However, there have been reports of liver injuries even in healthy people taking moderate doses, between 300 mg and 1000 mg per day. We don't know much about why some people are more affected than others, but it's thought that genetics might play a role. CBD can also block certain liver enzymes needed to process medications. In the new government study, most participants who had serious liver problems also showed signs of an immune condition where the body makes too many white blood cells called eosinophils.