Short answer: CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound from cannabis and hemp. One prescription form, Epidiolex, is FDA-approved for rare seizure disorders. Thousands of CBD products are sold without approval; they are often mislabeled, can contain THC, and CBD can affect the liver and interact with other medicines.
Key takeaways
- What it is: CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and not a federally controlled substance.
- Medical use: Seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex (Epidiolex).
- Timing: effects start in 30 to 90 minutes (oral) and last 4 to 6 hours or more.
- Most dangerous mix: Clobazam, which can cause higher levels of its active metabolite; more sedation.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Very low.
- Legal route: CBD is not federally scheduled as of October 2026, but state bans, FDA restrictions, and pending federal action can apply; check current status.
What is CBD?
Epidiolex is approved for seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex, in people 1 year and older. Trials showed it reduced seizure frequency.
CBD does not cause a high. In studies, doses used for epilepsy commonly cause sleepiness, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.
Quick facts
| Fact | CBD |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Cannabidiol |
| Approved medicine | Epidiolex oral solution (prescription) |
| Drug class | Cannabinoid; not intoxicating |
| US legal status | Epidiolex removed from federal control in 2020; hemp CBD (0.3% THC or less) not controlled; hemp redefinition takes effect November 12, 2026 |
| Forms | Oils, gummies, capsules, creams, vapes |
| Main risks | Liver enzyme elevation, sleepiness, drug interactions, mislabeling |
| Drug tests | Pure CBD does not trigger THC tests, but many products contain THC |
How long does CBD last?
- Starts working: 30 to 90 minutes (oral)
- Effects last: 4 to 6 hours or more
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of CBD?
Liver: CBD can raise liver enzymes, especially at high doses and with valproate. Epidiolex requires liver tests.
Drug interactions: CBD affects liver enzymes that break down many medicines, including clobazam, blood thinners, and some antiseizure drugs.
Product quality: studies have found many CBD products contain more or less CBD than labelled, and some contain THC, which can cause impairment and positive drug tests.
What should you never mix with CBD?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Clobazam | Higher levels of its active metabolite; more sedation | Dose adjustment may be needed |
| Valproate | Liver enzyme elevation | Monitor liver tests |
| Warfarin and other blood thinners | Possible increased bleeding | Monitor |
| Alcohol, sedatives | More sleepiness | Use caution |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a CBD overdose, and what should you do?
CBD is not known to cause life-threatening overdose on its own. Large amounts cause sleepiness, diarrhea, and stomach upset. Products containing THC can cause intoxication, especially in children.
If someone is unwell after using it
- Call 911 if the person is unresponsive, having a seizure, struggling to breathe, or has chest pain.
- Place a drowsy or unconscious person on their side so they do not choke.
- Give naloxone if opioids could be involved. It is safe even if they are not.
- For advice when the person is awake and stable, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US, free, 24 hours).
Is CBD addictive?
CBD does not appear to cause dependence or withdrawal. The World Health Organization concluded in 2018 that it does not show abuse potential.
- After stoppingNo withdrawalNo withdrawal syndrome has been described.
- EpidiolexTaperIn epilepsy, stop gradually to avoid seizures.
- THC-containing productsPossible cannabis withdrawalSome products contain enough THC to cause dependence.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full CBD withdrawal guide.
Is CBD legal?
- Epidiolex: the DEA removed FDA-approved CBD drugs with no more than 0.1% THC from the federal schedules in 2020. It is a prescription medicine.
- Hemp CBD: CBD from hemp with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC is not a controlled substance under the 2018 Farm Bill, but the FDA says it cannot be sold as a dietary supplement or food ingredient.
- November 12, 2026: a 2025 federal law redefines hemp. From November 12, 2026, hemp products with more than 0.4 mg of total THC per container, and cannabinoids made synthetically or by chemical conversion, are no longer protected as hemp.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | CBD food products need novel food authorization; THC must be absent |
| European Union | Varies by country; novel food rules apply |
| International | CBD is not under international control (WHO, 2018) |
Frequently asked questions about CBD
Does CBD get you high?
No. CBD is not intoxicating, but products that contain THC can be.
Can CBD make you fail a drug test?
Pure CBD should not, but many products contain THC, which can cause a positive result.
Is CBD safe?
It is generally well tolerated, but it can affect the liver and interact with medicines, and products are poorly regulated.
Does CBD help anxiety or pain?
Evidence is limited and mixed. More rigorous studies are needed.
What is Epidiolex?
A prescription CBD oral solution approved by the FDA for certain rare seizure disorders.
Sources
- Epidiolex (cannabidiol) prescription information, DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine.
- What You Need to Know (And What We're Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD, US Food and Drug Administration.
- New federal restrictions on hemp and hemp-derived products, DLA Piper, November 2025.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses CBD profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
