Does topical CBD affect the liver?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 21, 2026
In a Forbes article; Marijuana Study Finds CBD Can Cause Liver Damage, Mike Adams reports: “A new study suggests that CBD may spawn its fair share of health issues. Specifically, scientists have learned that this substance could be damaging our livers in the same way as alcohol and other drugs.
Does CBD cream cause liver damage?
CBD products do not cause liver damage when taken orally, according to a new study from Validcare. The seven-month analysis evaluated the impact of CBD on liver health through clinical trials involving 839 participants.
Is topical CBD absorbed into the bloodstream?
Animal studies have shown that CBD administered as a transdermal gel makes its way into the bloodstream and increases plasma levels of the cannabinoid. However, transdermal CBD isn't just a matter of rubbing the cannabinoid into the skin.
Can CBD cream side effects?
CBD side effects
A 2017 review of data and studies found that some of the most common side effects of CBD products include tiredness, diarrhea, and a change in appetite or weight.
Can I rub CBD oil on my skin for pain?
Yes. CBD oils meant to be taken orally can also be rubbed into the skin. Just make sure to read the ingredient list for any irritants before you apply oils directly to the skin.
32 related questions foundCan CBD cause elevated liver enzymes?
In recent clinical trials, elevated liver enzymes were observed in 5–20% of patients treated with CBD, and a few patients were withdrawn due to the threat of fulminant liver failure [1,2,24].
Is it OK to use CBD oil everyday?
Can I take CBD every day? Not only can you, but for the best effects, in most cases you actually should take CBD on a daily basis. “You can't overdose on CBD, and it's lipophilic (or fat soluble), which means it compounds in your body over time, adding to potential health benefits,” says Capano.
Does CBD hurt your kidneys?
There is no evidence to suggest that CBD has any adverse effect on kidney function.
Can CBD oil lower cholesterol?
CBD has been shown to improve cholesterol through its ability to regulate lipid uptake and blood pressure.
Does CBD interfere with prescription meds?
CBD has the potential to interact with many other products, including over-the-counter medications, herbal products, and prescription medications. Some medications should never be taken with CBD; the use of other medications may need to be modified or reduced to prevent serious issues.
What is the downside of CBD oil?
Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners. Another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products.
Can CBD raise your blood pressure?
For high blood pressure specifically, a 2011 study found that THC alone or in combination with CBD sometimes resulted in an increase in blood pressure, and sometimes in a decrease. Finally, it's crucial to keep in mind that CBD may interact with some medications, including those used for hypertension.
What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil both derive from the cannabis plant. CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves, and stems, while hemp seed oil uses extract from the seeds of the cannabis plant. Products containing hemp seed and CBD oils do not typically cause a high, since the levels of THC, if any, tend to be very low.
Is CBD oil safe for the liver?
The Bottom Line
Taking the correct, recommended dose of good quality CBD pil as part of a general wellness routine is unlikely to cause any side effects, including liver damage. Any side effects reported in humans up to now are very rare - and very mild if they do occur.
Which is better for pain hemp oil or CBD oil?
Hemp oil typically has more nutritional benefits, while CBD oil is best for treating the conditions we mentioned above (anxiety and depression). And, when it comes to hemp oil and CBD oil for pain relief, CBD oil wins (although hemp oil can help as well).
Will hemp lotion cause you to fail a drug test?
According to the research studies available, the answer to this is question is a resounding NO! Regular consumption or use of commercially made hemp foods (such as seeds, cooking oil, cereals, milk, granola) or hemp products (lotions, shampoos, lip balms, etc.) will not show a positive result for THC on a drug test.
Does CBD oil help neuropathy pain in feet?
In a small 2020 study , researchers randomized 29 people with neuropathy to receive CBD oil or a placebo. Participants in the CBD oil group tolerated the product well and had a statistically significant reduction in pain compared with the placebo group.
Is CBD oil safe for seniors?
Should older adults take CBD? CBD is used by many people — including older adults — to help ease pain and discomfort associated with common ailments, including joint pain, overall pain management, and anxiety and depression. However, it's always best to talk with a doctor before trying CBD.
Does CBD increase heart rate?
We have shown for the first time that to our knowledge that, in humans, acute administration of CBD reduces resting blood pressure, with a lower stroke volume and a higher heart rate.
Is CBD oil a blood thinner?
CBD oil can act as a blood thinner and in doing so it can lower your blood pressure. For someone who has issues with blood pressure this can pose very real risks. It can also interact with medications through "the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does," according to an article on the Harvard health blog.
Does CBD oil affect your organs?
A new study shows evidence that extremely high doses of CBD can be damaging to the liver.
What drugs should not be taken with CBD?
What Drugs Should Not Be Taken with CBD
- Angiotension II Blockers.
- Antiarrhythmics.
- Antibiotics.
- Antidepressants.
- Anticonvulsants / Anti-Seizure Medications.
- Antihistamines.
- Antipsychotics.
- Anesthetics.
Can CBD oil cause blood clots?
ANSWER: The data on cannabis and blood clots and strokes is mixed. There is evidence that smoked cannabis activates platelets, which is likely to increase clot risk. However, some studies of cannabis users showed increased clot and stroke risk only among those who smoked tobacco as well.
Does CBD oil clog arteries?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has beneficial effects in disorders as wide ranging as diabetes, Huntington's disease, cancer and colitis. Accumulating evidence now also suggests that CBD is beneficial in the cardiovascular system. CBD has direct actions on isolated arteries, causing both acute and time-dependent vasorelaxation.
Does topical CBD lower blood pressure?
Some research studies indicate that CBD products may help with lowering blood pressure. A 2020 study found that CBD may have vasodilatory effects in human and rat arteries. The authors suggest that CBD may improve flow because it widens blood vessels.