Increase in cases of poisoning caused by CBD products containing other substances
Since 2024, the number of cases of poisoning involving the consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) products has increased significantly. These products are sold in stores, in vending machines and on the Internet in the form of e-liquid for electronic cigarettes, smokable products, food supplements and foodstuffs (oils, capsules, sweets, chocolate, etc.). Most of these cases of poisoning are caused by prohibited substances (synthetic cannabinoids) contained in these products without the consumer’s knowledge, or by THC levels above 0.3%. The ANSM and ANSES are drawing attention to these risks.
The risks associated with CBD products containing other substances
Since the beginning of 2024, several hundred cases of poisoning have been identified in people who have consumed products presented as containing CBD. These cases were reported to the French Poison Control and Toxicovigilance Centres (CAP-TVs) or to Centres for Evaluation and Information on Drug Dependence and Addiction Monitoring (CEIP-As).
In response to this increase in cases of poisoning, France’s health agencies are issuing a warning with regard to the accuracy of product ingredient lists: very often, the stated (usually labelled) ingredients do not correspond to the actual composition of the product purchased. According to a study conducted by the CEIP-As in Lyon, Paris and Montpellier in 2023 with the support of the Interministerial Mission for Combating Drugs and Addictive Behaviours (MILDECA), eight out of 10 CBD products have a CBD content that differs from the one stated on the label.
Consumers need to be vigilant to the risk of unexpected or adverse effects following the consumption of a CBD product. The symptoms reported are varied and sometimes severe; they include fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, headaches, anxiety, dizziness, vomiting, tachycardia, acute anxiety attacks, agitation accompanied by hallucinations, loss of consciousness, suicidal thoughts or behaviour and epileptic seizures.
In most cases, these effects are due to the presence of THC (the main active ingredient in cannabis) or synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, HHC-O, H4-CBD, MDMB-PINACA, etc.), which are highly potent substances that mimic the action of THC. Effects can occur regardless of the duration or frequency of use or the form in which the CBD product was consumed (whether it was smoked, vaped or ingested).
It should be noted that today, foods and food supplements containing CBD (oils, capsules, sweets, chocolate, gummies, syrups, cakes and other culinary preparations) are not authorised for sale in the European Union. All these products may pose a health risk.
Products that contain synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, HHC-O, H4-CBD, H2-CBD, MDMB-PINACA, etc.) or CBD with a level of THC exceeding 0.3% are classified as narcotics. Their sale, purchase and consumption are prohibited for all uses (ingesting, vaping, smoking, etc.).
Furthermore, even when the composition of these products meets the legal criteria, consuming CBD is not harmless. Even limited amounts of THC can cause drowsiness or lethargy. Workers exposed to industrial risks, machine operators and road users should therefore avoid consuming these products. Moreover, consuming a CBD product at the same time as certain medicines can reduce their efficacy or increase their side effects.
Lastly, particular attention should be paid to products labelled as “potent”, as these may be even more dangerous.
What should you do if you experience side effects?
If you experience unexpected or adverse effects after consuming a product containing CBD, stop using the product.
In the event of life-threatening symptoms (loss of consciousness, faintness, etc.), dial 15 immediately (in France).
For other symptoms, consult your doctor or call a poison control centre on +33 (0)1 45 42 59 59 (24/7 emergency number).
Warning for children: accidental ingestion of CBD products, which are sometimes attractively packaged, can cause particularly serious effects in young children. Keep these products out of their reach.
Combating and preventing poisoning
In the event of an adverse effect following the consumption of a CBD product, or for any serious case of abuse, dependence or misuse:
- Consumers are invited to report it on the Adverse Health Event Reporting Portal: signalement.social-sante.gouv.fr.
- Healthcare professionals, when informed of such effects, should also report them on the same portal: signalement.social-sante.gouv.fr.
Healthcare professionals and consumers can also seek advice from the poison control centre or CEIP-A in their region.
If you have any leftover product, in any form (e-liquid, herb, sweets), keep it so it may be analysed by the national identification system for toxins and substances (SINTES) of the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT).
Consuming THC or synthetic cannabinoids can lead to severe dependence in the long term. If you are having difficulty reducing or stopping your consumption, contact a doctor or a centre specialising in addiction treatment as soon as possible. Contact details and useful information are available on the following website: drogue-info-service.fr.