Recommended CBD dosage for epilepsy versus daily supplement use

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The daily dose of CBD recommended by the FSA is 10 milligrams, which has been criticized by the CBD industry as overly cautious. However, when used as a medicine for rare forms of epilepsy, the NHS prescribes a maximum of 10 to 12.5 milligrams per kilo twice a day. This means, for example, if you weigh 70 kilos, you would require a daily dose of about 1,750 milligrams. The CBD industry's reaction to the FSA's recommendation remains to be seen.

Last month the UK’s Food Standards Authority slashed the recommended safe daily intake of cannabidiol (CBD) from 70mg to 10mg. An estimated one in 10 people in the UK have used products containing CBD, and many users believe it can help with ailments such as insomnia, anxiety and pain. But is there any evidence for the supposed benefits, and what’s behind the FSA’s decision? Ian Sample talks to Dr Will Lawn of Kings College University, who has studied the health effects of CBD, to find out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod