My Virtual Reading Room

Researchers raise doubts about CBD products promoted for pain relief

Based on their literature review of cannabidiol (CBD) products’ purity, harmful effects, and effectiveness, researchers from the U.K. and the University of Alberta have concluded: “For people living with pain, the evidence for CBD or hemp extract shows it is expensive, does not work, and is possibly harmful.” [Moore A, and others. Cannabidiol (CBD) products for pain: Ineffective, expensive, and with potential harms. The Journal of Pain, 25(4):833-842, 2024] Their key findings were:

• CBD products have varying amounts of CBD, from none to much more than advertised.
• CBD products may contain other chemicals that may be harmful.
• Out of 16 randomized clinical trials for pain using pharmaceutical CBD in oral, buccal/sublingual, and topical forms, 15 found no greater pain-relieving effect for CBD than for placebo.
• Meta-analyses link CBD to increased rates of serious adverse events and liver toxicity.