If you’ve Googled “Is CBD bad for your liver?” you’re asking the right question — because in 2026, the CBD conversation isn’t just about calm and sleep. It’s also about safety, dosing and quality.
The honest answer: many people tolerate CBD well, but research shows that daily CBD can raise liver enzymes in some adults, particularly at higher doses and in certain situations.
This guide explains what liver enzymes are, what the research actually found, who’s more at risk, and how to use CBD more cautiously if you choose to use it.
This article is educational only and not medical advice. If you take prescription medication, have liver disease, or drink heavily, speak to a healthcare professional before using CBD.
What are ALT and AST (and why do they matter)?
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes measured in blood tests.
They’re often used as a “signal” of liver stress because:
- ALT is found mostly in the liver (so it’s commonly used as a liver marker)
- AST is found in the liver but also in muscle and other tissues
Important: a mildly raised enzyme doesn’t automatically mean liver damage — but it does mean the liver is under extra strain and should be taken seriously.
What the 2025 research found (plain-English summary)
A 2025 clinical trial using a prescription-grade CBD product found that some healthy adults experienced significant liver enzyme elevations compared with placebo.
Here’s how to interpret this without panic:
- Not everyone is affected — many people show no meaningful changes.
- Risk is more relevant with daily use and higher doses.
- Individual factors (medications, alcohol, underlying liver health) can shift your risk.
Practical takeaway: CBD isn’t automatically “bad for the liver,” but it’s not risk-free at higher daily doses — especially if you stack it with other liver stressors.
Who is more at risk of liver enzyme changes?
You should be extra cautious if you:
- Take prescription medication (especially anything with a grapefruit warning)
- Have known liver disease or a history of elevated liver enzymes
- Drink alcohol frequently or heavily
- Use higher CBD doses daily (rather than occasional use)
- Use products with unclear testing or inconsistent batches
If any of these apply: a pharmacist or GP can help you assess risk and decide whether CBD makes sense for you.
Signs of a liver problem (don’t ignore these)
Most people with mild enzyme changes won’t feel anything. But stop CBD and seek medical advice urgently if you notice:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Severe fatigue that feels “wrong”
- Persistent nausea/vomiting
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Itching with no obvious cause
These symptoms can have many causes — but they should always be assessed.
How to use CBD more safely (dose + habits that matter)
1) Start low and stay sensible
If you’re new to CBD, avoid jumping into high daily doses. A practical approach is:
- Start low (for example, 5–10mg CBD)
- Hold that dose for several days while tracking how you feel
- Increase slowly only if needed
2) Don’t stack CBD with heavy alcohol
Alcohol is already a liver stressor. If you’re using CBD daily, consider reducing alcohol intake.
3) Avoid “mystery blends” and poorly tested products
When quality is inconsistent, you can’t predict what you’re taking from batch to batch. Choose transparent brands with clear ingredient lists and testing standards.
4) If you’re on medication: treat CBD like grapefruit
If your medication has a grapefruit warning, speak to a pharmacist before adding CBD. This one step prevents most avoidable problems.
5) Consider topical CBD if your goal is body support
If you’re mainly interested in body-focused support, topical options can be a more conservative starting point than ingesting CBD daily.
Does CBD type (broad-spectrum vs full-spectrum vs isolate) matter?
Full-spectrum CBD
May contain trace THC and additional cannabinoids. Some people find it stronger, but it can also be less predictable for sensitive users.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Designed to be THC-free/non-detectable. Many people choose broad-spectrum when they want a cleaner, more controlled experience.
CBD isolate
CBD only. Often preferred by people who want maximum simplicity and control.
Important: liver enzyme effects are more about dose and daily use than “type” alone — but simpler formats can make dosing easier to control.
Evopure options (and safer formats to consider)
If you’re trying to keep things conservative — especially if you’re medication-cautious — focus on dose control and simple formulas.
1) Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil (unflavoured) – simplest oral option
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil is designed to be THC-free/non-detectable and contains no added adaptogens — ideal if you want a cleaner starting point.
2) CBD Capsules – fixed, consistent dosing
CBD Capsules provide a set amount per capsule, which helps avoid accidental “creep” into higher daily doses.
3) CBD Balm – topical option for body support
CBD Balm is applied to the skin and is a popular option for body-focused routines without ingesting CBD.
4) Flow / Sleep / Relief Oils – targeted blends (timing matters)
- Flow CBD Oil – daytime calm & balance
- Relief CBD Oil – recovery-focused routine
- Sleep CBD Oil – best kept for evenings if CBD makes you sleepy
5) Magnesium Sleep Blend – non-CBD alternative
If CBD isn’t right for you, Magnesium Sleep Blend is a popular non-CBD option for evening relaxation.
Read more: Best CBD oils for sleep in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Can CBD raise liver enzymes (ALT/AST)?
In some people, especially with daily use and higher doses, CBD may raise liver enzyme levels. If you have risk factors (medications, liver disease, heavy alcohol), speak to a healthcare professional first.
Is CBD safe if I drink alcohol?
Alcohol is a liver stressor. If you use CBD daily, it’s wise to keep alcohol moderate and speak to a professional if you have any liver concerns.
Should I get liver tests if I take CBD daily?
If you use CBD daily at higher doses, take medication, or have liver risk factors, a clinician can advise whether monitoring is appropriate.
Is topical CBD safer for liver concerns?
Topical CBD is applied to the skin and is often used for body-focused routines without ingesting CBD, which some people prefer when they’re being extra cautious.
Final thoughts
CBD isn’t automatically “bad for your liver,” but the 2025 research makes one thing clear: daily CBD at higher doses can raise liver enzymes in some adults.
If you choose to use CBD, a safer approach is low, controlled dosing, avoiding heavy alcohol, and getting professional advice if you take medication or have liver risk factors.
