CBD at a glance: schedule, half-life, and class
- 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
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.[1]
CBD is marketed for anxiety, pain, sleep, and inflammation, but good-quality evidence for these uses is limited. The FDA has said CBD cannot be sold as a dietary supplement or added to food, and asked Congress for a new regulatory pathway.[2]
CBD effects and how long they last
CBD does not cause a high. In studies, doses used for epilepsy commonly cause sleepiness, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.[1]
Typical over-the-counter products contain far lower doses than those used in epilepsy trials, and labelled amounts are often inaccurate.
CBD side effects and risks
Liver: CBD can raise liver enzymes, especially at high doses and with valproate. Epidiolex requires liver tests.[1]
Drug interactions: CBD affects liver enzymes that break down many medicines, including clobazam, blood thinners, and some antiseizure drugs.[1][2]
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.[2]
Other concerns: animal studies raised questions about male reproductive effects; effects in pregnancy are unknown.
CBD interactions: what is dangerous to mix with it
Choose what it would be combined with:
| 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 |
This is not a full list. Combining substances raises the risk of harm, especially when the contents of street drugs are unknown.
CBD overdose: signs and what to 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.[1]
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.[1]
- 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.
Is CBD legal in the US? Schedule and legal status
- 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.[1]
- 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.[2]
- 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.[3]
Where can someone get reliable advice about CBD?
- Your clinician or pharmacist: can check CBD against your medicines for interactions and liver risks.
- Certificates of analysis: reputable sellers publish independent lab results for each batch, showing CBD and THC content and contaminants.
- Epilepsy specialists: for seizures, only Epidiolex has been shown effective in controlled trials; over-the-counter products are not a substitute.
- Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222 for accidental ingestion, especially by children.
CBD legal status in other countries
| 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) |
Laws change and differ in detail. Check current rules before carrying any controlled medicine across a border.[4]
Common 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.
