CBD has gained significant popularity in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD is often praised for its ability to help with various issues, such as stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. However, like any natural compound, CBD is not without its potential side effects.
In this article, we are going to we’ll delve into the known side effects of CBD and explain everything you need to know about the risks associated with CBD’s use.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for “cannabidiol ” is a non-psychoactive, natural compound found in cannabis and hemp plants that has become very popular lately due to its ability to provide many wellness benefits.
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, appetite, and immune function.
In 2018, Congress passed a Farm Bill which makes industrial hemp legal in the US, this also led hemp-derived CBD to become legal in the US, and within a span of a few years, CBD’s popularity skyrocketed and it has become a billion-dollar industry.
Is CBD safe?
According to WHO, there is no evidence of health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD, and there is no risk of abuse, dependency, or the risk of developing tolerance involved with its use (1, 2).
This strongly supports the safety profile of CBD.
However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is still expressing its disapproval of non-pharmaceutical uses of CBD. The FDA has approved a CBD-based medication named Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
In the future, we could see more FDA-approved CBD products on the market.
What are the side effects of CBD?
While CBD is well tolerated and safe in most cases, there are certain side effects that some people may experience when using CBD products (3).
1. Dry mouth
The feeling of dry mouth is relatively common among cannabis users, however, certain types of CBD products, like flowers or prerolls could also cause this.
This is likely due to the saliva-inhibiting effect that cannabinoids exhibit via the CB receptors in our salivary glands.
There’s an easy fix for this: Drink plenty of water when you consume any smokable CBD products.
2. Dehydration
Hemp and cannabis are both astringent plants. While CBD is a component of astringent botanicals, dehydration could be a concern for these plant compounds or their derivatives, if taken regularly.
Fix: Make sure to drink plenty of water before or after you consume any CBD product.
3. Interaction with other medications
CBD may interact with certain medications or over-the-counter drugs especially the ones with a “grapefruit” warning, because some medications are processed through the liver in your body, as is CBD and their interaction can sometimes increase the risk of sedation and drowsiness (4).
Although there haven’t been any serious issues related to CBD interaction with other medicines reported yet, if you’re taking other medications, you should check with your doctor before using CBD.
4. Liver injury
According to research done on mice, Taking CBD in extremely high dosages for a long period of time may affect the function of the liver (so does any other medicine or supplements).
However, the CBD dosage required to lead to any kind of liver damage is so high that it is not possible for humans to reach that stage.
According to a 2023 study, there are lower doses of CBD found typically in most over-the-counter CBD products, and they are generally well tolerated without evidence of liver injury.
5. Allergic reaction
There are wide varieties of CBD products available in the market but not all are created equal. Many CBD companies are selling products that are not up to the standards, some of these may contain ingredients that can cause certain allergies in some people.
It is important that you do your research and look at the ingredients and lab results to make sure that it does not contain any ingredients that you are allergic to before buying any CBD product.
6. Drowsiness and fatigue
Despite its reputation for promoting relaxation and aiding in sleep, some users may experience fatigue or drowsiness as a side effect of CBD.
This is more likely to occur when higher doses are consumed. It’s advisable to be mindful of your body’s response to CBD, especially if you plan to engage in activities that require alertness.
7. Change in appetite
CBD’s impact on appetite can differ among individuals. Some users report an increase in appetite. Others may find that CBD suppresses their appetite. These effects are subjective and influenced by factors such as individual metabolism, dosage, and the specific CBD product used.
8. Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, have been reported in some cases, particularly when individuals consume high doses of CBD.
Adjusting the dosage or trying alternative methods of consumption with fixed dosages, such as capsules or edibles, can help avoid this side effect.
How to safely use CBD?
If you are someone who is worried about CBD’s side effects can ensure a safe experience by taking the following precautions:
- Talk with your doctor before using CBD products, especially if you are taking any prescription medication.
- Buy products only from reputable CBD brands that do individual third-party testing for each batch of CBD product and have higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Always check the label to ensure that a CBD product does not contain extra flavorings or ingredients that you might be allergic to.
- Avoid using full-spectrum CBD products due to their THC content, especially if you have to drive or operate machinery, Use CBD isolate or broad-spectrum products for the best experience.
- If you are a beginner, make sure to follow the proper dosage guidelines while taking any CBD product, and stick to it for at least a week before adjusting the dosage.
Remember that CBD products available in the market are not FDA-approved. So take all the necessary precautions to have a safe and favorable experience.
Final thoughts
While CBD is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and to approach its use with caution.
As with any supplement, consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your routine is advisable to ensure its compatibility with your individual profile.
Additionally, monitoring your body’s response and adjusting the dosage accordingly can contribute to a positive and safe CBD experience.
Disclosure:
The information provided in this article is meant for general use only and may not always suit everyone’s individual needs. Your health and wellness are personal, so you should consult a medical professional for personalized advice before making any decisions based on our content.
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