Weeding through the evidence to clear the cannabis confusion

Marijuana (aka cannabis) and THC, its intoxicating component, are legal in dozens of states. And enthusiastic claims for CBD, its non-intoxicating component, flourish online and in some drugstores. But confusion abounds about what cannabis and its components can—or can’t—do for your health.

Letter to Congress re: Regulatory pathway for hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD)

The Center for Science in the Public Interest submits this comment in response to the July 2023 Congressional Request for Information regarding the potential for a regulatory pathway for hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products.

CBD curious or CBD cautious? Here's what we know.

CBD—or cannabidiol—a compound found in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp—is added to everything from dietary supplements to food, drinks, pet food, cosmetics, and more.

CBD put to the test for lower-back pain

Australian researchers randomly assigned 100 people who came to a hospital emergency department because of lower-back pain to take either a single (400-milligram) dose of CBD or a placebo.

Letter in opposition to CBD Bill, H.R. 841

The Food and Drug Administration, and not Congress, should be the body that determines when and under what conditions cannabidiol, or CBD, and other hemp-derived ingredients are approved for use in dietary supplements and foods, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Federation of America, and Consumer Reports. The three organizations are urging Members of Congress to oppose H.R. 841, which would force regulators at the FDA to immediately and categorically legalize CBD in supplements and foods, even though the FDA is currently still evaluating the safety implications of such a move.

What happened when researchers tested the impact of THC plus CBD on driving

THC—the intoxicating component of marijuana—impairs driving. Does CBD (the non-intoxicating component) counteract THC’s psychoactive effects, as some claim? Scientists had 26 young adults vape (inhale) THC, CBD, THC + CBD, or a placebo on different days. Each dose of THC or CBD was 13.75 milligrams. After 40 to 100 minutes, and again after four to five hours, the volunteers drove for an hour at 60 mph. (Relax. The car had a second set of pedals for the research team.)

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is derived from cannabis, a class of plants that includes both marijuana and hemp.

Letter to Congress June 17, 2020 re: CBD

FDA says cannabidiol is not Generally Recognized as Safe, and warns more sellers

No, there is no evidence that cannabidiol will lower your risk of diabetes, shrink your tumors, wean you off opioids, ease your schizophrenia, or calm your anxious pets.

CSPI and CFA letter to Congress re: CBD