Roll Call

“Cannabinoids?”Here!cannabis-derived compounds

Plant

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

As a supplement

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.

A broad class of compounds found in the cannabis plant, most notably CBD and THC, that act on the body's endocannabinoid system. As a general label term it does not specify which cannabinoid or how much is present.

Why it’s used

Taken by some for general wellness, relaxation, or relief of discomfort, though motivations vary widely since the term covers many distinct compounds.

What the evidence says

One cannabinoid, purified CBD, is FDA-approved as a prescription drug for specific seizure disorders at pharmaceutical doses, which is a different context from a supplement listing simply "cannabinoids." For general supplement use, the evidence behind an unspecified blend at unspecified doses is too thin to characterize.

Context

Research supporting a specific cannabinoid's effects has used purified, single-compound formulations at defined doses under medical supervision, not an unspecified mixed-cannabinoid supplement.

Rumors

  1. Cannabinoids help balance and regulate the immune system.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Leafly — a platform — posts are by its users: cannabis discovery and online ordering marketplace from licensed retailers
      How we know who this is
      • “Leafly is the leading customer acquisition tool for more than 7,800 brands and 4,600 retailers who use Leafly to connect with millions of shoppers every year.” (their page)
      • “Leafly is the world’s most trusted destination to discover cannabis products and order them from legal, licensed retailers.” (their page)

  2. CBD in supplements can harm the liver.

    Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as a biomarker.

    Who’s saying this

    • fda.gov — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it

  3. CBD supplements interact with medications such as sedatives, blood thinners and immunosuppressants.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • University Hospitals — a university or research body: nonprofit academic medical center and hospital network in Northeast Ohio
      How we know who this is
      • “Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 21 hospitals (including five joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio.” (their page)
      • “As a renowned academic medical center and community hospital network, we’ve expanded across Northeast Ohio to deliver what matters most to our patients: personalized, compassionate care; medical discovery and breakthroughs; and high-quality, affordable care close to home.” (their page)

  4. CBD supplements relieve anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disorders and PTSD.

    Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence

    Studied in: adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders (including PTSD-related anxiety) in randomized controlled trials.

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • University Hospitals — a university or research body: nonprofit academic medical center and hospital network in Northeast Ohio
      How we know who this is
      • “Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 21 hospitals (including five joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio.” (their page)
      • “As a renowned academic medical center and community hospital network, we’ve expanded across Northeast Ohio to deliver what matters most to our patients: personalized, compassionate care; medical discovery and breakthroughs; and high-quality, affordable care close to home.” (their page)

  5. Cannabinoids work more effectively together than alone (the 'entourage effect'), so full-spectrum supplements have a stronger effect.

    Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Medical News Today — a publisher: health information; trademark of Healthline Media, an RVO Health company
      How we know who this is
      • “The Medical News Today team is committed to bringing you accurate, trustworthy, and unbiased health information.” (their page)
      • “Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company.” (their page)