In an October 16th statement, the FDA outlined the dangers of using cannabis products while pregnant or nursing – and that included CBD products.
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made it clear that they do not condone the use of Cannbidiol (CBD) by pregnant or nursing women. Although many women prefer these natural products over prescription and OTC Medications, the FDA believes they carry “significant risk”.
Below is a section about CBD from the report:
“There is no comprehensive research studying the effects of CBD on the developing fetus, pregnant mother, or breastfed baby. FDA is continuing to collect and study the data on the possible harmful effects of CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, based on what we do know, there is significant cause for concern.
High doses of CBD in pregnant test animals have caused problems with the reproductive system of developing male fetuses2 . In addition, based on what we already know about CBD, we expect that some amount of CBD will be transferred to babies through breast milk.
We also know that there is a potential for CBD products to be contaminated with substances that may pose a risk to the fetus or breastfed baby, including THC. We have also heard reports of CBD potentially containing other contaminants (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and fungus); we are investigating this.
Moreover, CBD has known risks for people in general. Based on clinical studies in humans, risks can include the following:
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- liver toxicity (damage)
- extreme sleepiness
- harmful interactions with other drugs
FDA is studying the effects of CBD use from different angles, such as: (1) the use of CBD-containing products, like food, cosmetics, or supplements, over a person’s entire life; and (2) the effects of using these various products in combination. There are many unanswered questions about the science, safety, and quality of products containing CBD.
We especially want to learn more about the effects of CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including, for example, whether and to what extent the presence of CBD in human milk harms the breastfed baby or the mother’s milk production.”
Click here to read the full report.
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Unfortunately, the FDA’s approach in lumping in all CBD products into one basket not only achieves the desired effect of scare-mongering, but is grossly disproportionate. Consumers can ensure their products are not contaminated by simply purchasing a product that is third pary analysed. Thumbs down to FDA on this one.