Is CBD oil safe? What the agencies say in 2026

Since 2024, the French debate has shifted towards the toxicology of the molecule itself and its regulatory status. The EFSA assesses CBD under the Novel Food Regulation. The ANSES handles French toxicovigilance and proposes classifications to the ECHA. The ANSM oversees medicines and classifies narcotic substances.

On 9 February 2026, the EFSA published a provisionally safe daily dose of 0.0275 mg per kg of body weight per day, i.e. around 2 mg/day for a 70 kg adult. This threshold rests on an uncertainty factor of 400, calculated from hepatotoxic effects observed in animals, and excludes people under 25, pregnant women and breastfeeding women. The practical consequence: almost every CBD oil on the market (typically 10 to 60 mg per suggested dose) exceeds this provisional threshold, which explains the withdrawal of ingested products by the DGAL since 15 May 2026.

In a statement of 19 June 2025, the ANSES submitted to the ECHA a proposal to classify CBD as presumed toxic to human reproduction, category 1B under the CLP Regulation, on the basis of animal studies showing damage to spermatogenesis and to perinatal development. If adopted, this classification would entail warning pictograms and a revision of regulatory thresholds. The ECHA's final decision is expected during 2026-2027.

The ANSES 2024 toxicovigilance activity report lists around twenty alerts passed on to poison control centres concerning CBD products. In the majority of cases, the problem reported was not CBD itself but contamination by synthetic cannabinoids, a THC content above the legal threshold, or misuse. The ANSM responded with two waves of classifications, on HHC in 2023 and then on H4CBD, THCP and derivatives in June 2024.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, women of childbearing age, minors, people on medical treatment and those with liver conditions are advised against using CBD, because of interactions via the cytochromes P450 (CYP3A4, CYP2C19) and the liver effects observed in the paediatric clinical trials of Epidyolex. The best-documented adverse effects remain drowsiness, reduced appetite and digestive disturbances, generally dose-dependent and reversible on stopping.

No medical claim is permitted for wellness CBD in France: neither “anti-inflammatory”, nor “relieves”, nor “natural alternative”. Only non-therapeutic wellness wording is acceptable. Since 2022, the DGCCRF has recorded an infringement rate of around 15% on claims and labelling. Our CBD buying guide sets out the quality criteria to insist on before buying.

CBD is not a medicine. In case of doubt, an adverse effect or an interaction with a treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Is CBD dangerous?

At moderate doses and with a compliant product, the available data do not identify an immediate danger for a healthy adult. The EFSA has nonetheless set a very low provisional threshold, and caution remains advisable.

How many mg a day does the EFSA consider safe?

0.0275 mg/kg/day, i.e. around 2 mg/day for a 70 kg adult. Most commercial oils exceed this threshold by a wide margin per suggested dose.

Does CBD interact with medicines?

Yes, via the cytochromes P450. Anticoagulants, antiepileptics and immunosuppressants may see their blood concentration altered. Always discuss it with a doctor before combining them.

What is the road risk with a full-spectrum oil?

It contains traces of THC, which can lead to a positive saliva test, regardless of the legality of the product purchased, as the Cour de cassation confirmed in 2023.