Marijuana and CBD

Marijuana use comes with risks to health. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever before.

States that have legalized marijuana regulate the drug in widely different ways ― and often it’s not being checked for its ingredients, purity, strength, or safety.

CBD Products

Cannabidiol (CBD) ― a compound found in marijuana ― doesn’t cause a “high.”

But CBD products (sold in grocery stores, drug stores, health food stores, or medical marijuana dispensaries) are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• So there’s no federal standards for their content, purity, or potency.
• No matter what the label says, the actual ingredients might be different (and might include dangerous synthetic compounds, pesticides, or other impurities).

Kids’ Exposure

When you’re around someone who is smoking marijuana, the smoke gets into your system too.

Marijuana edibles (like gummies, chocolates, candies, baked goods, ice cream, popcorn, sodas) often look like regular treats. One edible can contain several times the adult dose of THC (the mind-altering part of marijuana).

• A child who eats an edible can overdose. This can be mild ― or severe (needing an Emergency Room or admission to a hospital).
• Severe cases in young children often involve slow or shallow breathing, slow heart rate, and other problems of a slowed central nervous system.
• If a child eats an edible, call Poison Control (800-222-1222). If symptoms seem severe, call 911.

Resources

Individuals and Families

• Know the Risks of Marijuana
• What We Know About Marijuana
• Marijuana DrugFacts
• FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, including Cannabidiol (CBD)
• FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process
• CBD: What You Need to Know

Parents and Caregivers

• Edible Marijuana Dangers: How Parents Can Prevent THC Poisoning
• Talking with Your Teen About Marijuana

Teens

• Tips for Teens: The Truth About Marijuana (Available in Spanish)

Community Members and Practitioners

• Preventing the Use of Marijuana: Focus on Women and Pregnancy

Find more resources on marijuana on the SAMHSA Store.