What Are The Side Effects Of CBD?‍

If you have recently started learning about cannabidiol (CBD) and its benefits, you might be surprised to learn that this compound also has its side effects. 

Whether you have been trying CBD oil for yourself or perhaps you know someone who has, it is crucial to understand the potential side effects.

Many individuals are skeptical about whether or not CBD is safe for them to use. Many people only see the benefits and ignore the possible downfalls of using this product.

However, this article will explain everything you need to know about the side effects of using CBD and what factors may increase your risk of experiencing negative impacts from its use.

 

What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. 

The molecular structure of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant closely resembles the form of endocannabinoids produced naturally in humans. These compounds bind with the receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system and regulate various bodily functions, including immunity response, emotional processing, and pain control. 

 

Uses Of CBD Oil

CBD products have gained a lot of attention in recent years. They are often touted as a potentially effective way of neuropathic pain relief, reducing anxiety, improving mood, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep.

Oral CBD products like Serenity gummies and CBD oil tinctures also boast health benefits, such as dealing with sleep disorders.

Reducing Inflammation

When CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it might help to reduce inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties of CBD make it a potential solution for treating autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and arthritis.

Pain Management

One of the most significant health benefits of CBD is pain management, and CBD’s likely pain-relieving effects are helpful for neuropathic pain and chronic pain. This has led to exponential growth in the popularity of CBD skin care products lik CBD creams, and topicals, in addition to orally ingested CBD products.

Decreased Anxiety

The compound also has a reputation for being non-psychoactive, which means it doesn’t cause feelings of euphoria like THC does, making it useful for people with drug-seeking behaviors.

Similarly, it has potential benefits for people with anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder who are looking for an alternative way to manage their symptoms.

In addition, cannabidiol is proven to have reduced anxiety induced in a simulated public speaking test study.

 

Is CBD Safe?

CBD has received much attention lately, with many people viewing it as a “natural” and “safe” treatment for various conditions. While it is true that CBD is derived from a natural source, it does not mean that it is entirely safe.

When it comes to CBD, there are both benefits and side effects associated with its use. CBD is non-toxic, non-addictive, and has very few (if any) adverse side effects.

However, CBD can interact with certain medications, potentially reducing blood pressure and heart rate and causing a decrease in blood sugar levels for people with diabetes.

What Are The Most Common CBD Side Effects?

As we just discussed, there are multiple side effects associated with using CBD, raising safety concerns. Depending on the person and their unique biology, these side effects may be more or less severe, and specific side effects are more common than others.

Preclinical evidence suggests that CBD’s most common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, headaches, abnormal heart rhythms, and decreased appetite. While these are typically not severe, they are often signs of overdosing on CBD.

While more research and human studies are required, it is clear that the overdosage of CBD can aggravate its side effects.

Taking higher doses of CBD can also cause adverse effects if you have health issues, substance use disorder, or taking medications such as seizure medications (which contain valproic acid).

Furthermore, animal studies have shown liver damage due to excessive use of CBD. A study in 2019 conducted on mice noted liver injury in mice due to a higher dosage of CBD. However, more research is required.

Other studies have shown that excessive use of CBD can increase pressure inside the eyes, and this can cause several eye problems. This is particularly concerning for people already suffering from glaucoma, as excessive CBD can aggravate their condition.

 

How To Take CBD Safely

For those who have been using CBD for a while, it may seem like taking the compound is completely safe. However, it’s essential to understand that there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing adverse effects.

Start With A Low Dose

If you have never used CBD before, starting with a low dose is essential. Experts recommend taking not more than 20-40mg CBD per day. However, in the case of chronic pain or severe sleep disorders, CBD intake can be increased if recommended by wellness professionals.

There are ways to increase the dose as time passes, but starting with a low amount is important to see how your body reacts to the compound. Depending on your specific biology, you may need to take a lower dose than those who weigh more, have higher metabolic rates, or have built higher tolerances.

If you start noticing adverse side effects, such as dizziness or nausea, it’s a sign that you need to lower your dose. We highly recommend getting advice from your healthcare professional regarding the ideal CBD dosage.

Look For A High-Quality Product.

When it comes to CBD, you get what you pay for. Many low-quality products are on the market today, and they can cause more harm than good.

CBD is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it is important to do your research before settling on a product. Try to look for a reputable brand like Blush Wellness or  Keoni CBD that sources its CBD ethically.

Always ensure that you only buy products that offer third-party testing and a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).

Avoid Taking CBD At The Same Time As Other Medications

If you take medications, you must consult your doctor before taking CBD. If you take certain medications such as blood pressure medication, or insulin, it can cause a severe drop in blood pressure or blood sugar.

Likewise, studies suggest that a severe adverse interaction can happen if CBD is taken with any 57 medications, as observed by Penn State College of Medicine.

All medications work differently and will not necessarily be affected by CBD; however, it’s important to be safe and avoid using CBD simultaneously with your regular medicines.

Avoid Taking CBD If You Are Pregnant Or Breastfeeding

For pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is best to avoid taking CBD altogether. There is a lack of research regarding its impact on the fetus/baby; therefore, experts recommend avoiding the compound for the duration of pregnancy.

Keep CBD In A Safe Place

When you buy CBD, you should keep it in a safe place that is out of reach for kids and pets. If a child or pet ingests it, they may experience seizures, dizziness, and vomiting.

 

Who Should Not Take CBD?

We have already discussed that you should not take certain medications with CBD. If you are currently facing any health conditions, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using CBD.

While most people can use CBD safely, others are more sensitive to the compound and may experience adverse side effects. If you notice any side effects while taking CBD, you should talk to your wellness professional about reducing or stopping your dosage.

If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications that impact your blood, you should avoid taking CBD.

The same goes for those who have kidney or liver disease. If you have a heart condition, it’s also recommended that you avoid CBD.

 

What Medications Should Not Be Taken With CBD?

You should not take certain commonly prescribed medications with CBD. These include the following:

Blood Pressure Medications

Since CBD is used to manage high blood pressure, it could cause a significant drop in blood pressure when taken with other blood pressure medication. This could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Heart Medications

CBD can cause your heart rate to decrease, leading to a slower heart rate. If you take an anti-arrhythmic or beta blocker, your heart rate could slow down too much, putting you at risk of fainting.

Diabetes Medications

As previously discussed, CBD can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, which can be problematic for those who have diabetes and are taking medications to manage their condition.

Cholesterol Medications

The human body processes cholesterol medications such as statins using the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver. Since CBD inhibits this enzyme, it could theoretically slow down the breakdown of statins and increase the risk of side effects, such as muscle spasticity and nausea.

 

Is CBD Legal?

CBD is derived from a natural source and is not considered a controlled substance, this means it’s not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and is legal in all states (as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC).

However, each state has laws surrounding the use of CBD, and many require that it be derived from hemp. If you’re traveling to another state, visiting their government website is critical to learn about the state’s CBD laws.

 

Conclusion

CBD is a non-toxic compound that can be extracted from hemp or marijuana. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

However, there are certain side effects associated with using CBD, but these can usually be reduced by taking a lower dose and using a high-quality product.

If you take any other medications or dietary supplements, you must take professional medical advice before using any CBD products.

 

References

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NTI Meds To Be Closely Monitored When Co-Administered With Cannabinoids. College Of Medicine, Dept Of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University, 2020, https://sites.psu.edu/cannabinoid/files/2020/06/NTI-Meds-to-be-Closely-Monitored-when-Co-Administered-with-Cannabinoids_2020_04_25.pdf, Accessed 18 Aug 2022

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