Feeling off after taking CBD? Maybe a little dizzy, too relaxed, slightly nauseous, or just “not yourself”? You’re not alone. While hemp-derived CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated, some people — especially beginners — experience mild side effects the first few times they take it.
The good news? These effects are usually temporary, easy to manage, and often go away as your body adjusts. Most side effects come from taking a higher dose than you need, using CBD on an empty stomach, or trying a product that doesn’t suit your body.
In this guide, you’ll learn why CBD side effects happen, how long they last, and—most importantly—how to make them go away quickly.
What Are CBD Side Effects?
CBD is generally safe, but it can cause mild, temporary side effects in some people—especially if you’re new to hemp products or you took more than your body needs.
Most side effects come from how CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), the network in your body that helps regulate mood, sleep, stress, and inflammation. When you take CBD, your ECS responds, and this shift can create a few short-lived effects.
Here are the most common CBD side effects:
Dry mouth.
Light dizziness or feeling “too relaxed.”
Mild nausea.
Changes in appetite.
Digestive discomfort.
Sleepiness or fatigue.
Headache (rare but possible).
These effects are usually mild, temporary, and easy to manage. They often fade as your body gets used to CBD or after adjusting your dosage.
Are CBD Side Effects Normal?
CBD side effects are rare but can occur for some people—especially beginners. CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, and any new change in that system can create temporary responses while your body adjusts.
Most side effects simply mean your dose is a little higher than you need or your body isn’t used to CBD yet. These effects are not harmful, and they usually fade quickly.
You’re more likely to notice mild side effects if:
You’re taking CBD for the first time.
You used a high-potency product.
You took CBD on an empty stomach.
You chose a product with added botanicals (that you might be allergic to).
You’re sensitive to cannabinoids.
What’s important to understand is this:
CBD is non-intoxicating and generally safe.
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived—not a sign that CBD is dangerous or addictive.
However, if you experience strong or long-lasting effects, it may indicate a contaminated product, a low-quality extract, or an unusually high dose. In those cases, adjusting your routine or switching brands typically solves the problem.
Do CBD Side Effects Go Away?
CBD side effects usually go away on their own. In most cases, they fade within a few hours as your body finishes processing the cannabinoids. For new users, side effects often decrease or disappear entirely once your body gets used to CBD.
How long they last depends on:
The dose you took.
Your body weight and metabolism.
The type of product (gummies last longer than oils).
Whether you took CBD with or without food.
Most people notice improvement within 1–3 hours. If you took a higher dose—especially from gummies or capsules—the effects may linger for 4–6 hours, but they still fade naturally.
The key thing to remember is this:
CBD side effects are temporary, not permanent. They don’t stay in your system for long, and they don’t lead to long-term issues.
Once you adjust your dosage or switch to a cleaner, lab-tested product, the chances of experiencing side effects drop significantly. Most users feel completely normal the next time they try CBD—just with a better, more comfortable dose.
How to Manage CBD Side Effects Quickly?
If CBD made you feel dizzy, nauseous, too sleepy, or just “off,” don’t worry—these effects are usually mild and easy to fix. Here are the quickest, most effective ways to feel better.
1. Drink Water
CBD can temporarily dry out your mouth and throat. Hydrating helps you feel normal again and reduces lightheadedness.
2. Eat Something Light
A small snack—like fruit, yogurt, toast, or nuts—can settle your stomach and reduce nausea. CBD often feels stronger on an empty stomach, so food helps calm it down.
3. Take a Short Break and Rest
If you feel too relaxed or sleepy, sit or lie down for a few minutes. Side effects fade faster when you stop moving around and let your body settle.
4. Lower Your Next Dose
Most CBD side effects happen when the dose is too high. Reduce your next serving by 25–50% and see how your body responds.
5. Use CBD With Food Next Time
Taking CBD on an empty stomach can intensify its effects. A light meal or snack can help your body absorb it more evenly and reduce discomfort.
6. Switch to a Different Product Type
Some users react differently depending on the format:
Oils hit faster and may feel stronger.
Gummies digest slowly and last longer.
Capsules are smoother but take longer to kick in.
If one product feels too intense, try another form.
7. Avoid Mixing CBD With Alcohol or Medication
Alcohol can amplify side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Certain medications may also interact with CBD. If you’re on medication, take CBD separately and talk to your doctor if you feel unusual effects.
8. Try a Different Spectrum (Full, Broad, or Isolate)
Some people feel side effects from terpenes or trace cannabinoids—not CBD itself.
Try a broad-spectrum or an isolate if the full-spectrum feels too strong.
Try full-spectrum if isolates make you feel “off.”
A different extract can make a big difference.
9. Use Clean, Lab-Tested Products
Low-quality CBD with contaminants (solvents, pesticides, unlisted cannabinoids) can trigger more potent side effects. Always choose brands with COA-backed, hemp-derived products.
What Causes CBD Side Effects?
CBD is generally safe, but side effects can show up when something about your dose, product, or timing doesn’t match what your body needs. Most reactions are mild and temporary, and they often point to a simple fix.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Taking a Higher Dose Than Your Body Needs
Most CBD side effects start with dosage. When you take too much, your body may experience sleepiness, dizziness, or digestive discomfort. Lowering the dose usually fixes this immediately.
2. Using CBD on an Empty Stomach
CBD absorbs faster without food, which can make it feel stronger than expected. This often leads to nausea or lightheadedness.
3. Being New to CBD
First-time users sometimes experience short-term effects because their endocannabinoid system isn’t used to cannabinoids yet. Side effects fade as your body adapts.
4. Low-Quality or Contaminated Products
Poor-quality CBD may contain leftover solvents, pesticides, or unlisted cannabinoids. These impurities can irritate your system and create uncomfortable effects.
5. Added Ingredients That Don’t Suit You
Many CBD products include other ingredients such as melatonin, botanical extracts, or high-terpene strains. If you’re sensitive to these, you may feel side effects even from a normal CBD dose.
6. Carrier Oil Sensitivity (MCT, Hemp Seed Oil, etc.)
Some people experience a reaction to the oil used in CBD tinctures. This can lead to digestive issues or mild nausea. Switching brands or oil types usually helps.
7. Medication Interactions
CBD can affect how your body metabolizes certain medications, especially those that are broken down by the liver. This can intensify side effects or make CBD feel stronger than usual.
8. Taking CBD Too Close to Alcohol
Alcohol and CBD both relax your nervous system. When combined, they can amplify dizziness and fatigue.
9. Using High-Potency Products
Strong gummies, oils, or vapes deliver a large amount of CBD at once. If your tolerance is low, you may feel the effects more intensely.
How to Prevent CBD Side Effects in the Future?
Most CBD side effects are avoidable. Once you understand how your body reacts and choose the right product and dose, CBD becomes smooth and predictable. Here’s how to keep side effects from happening again.
1. Start Low and Increase Slowly
Begin with a small dose—especially if you’re new to CBD. Increase only when needed. Your body adapts better when you give it time.
2. Take CBD After Food
A light meal or snack helps your body absorb CBD more evenly. This reduces nausea, dizziness, and sudden drops in energy.
3. Track Your Dosage
Note how much you take, when you take it, and how you feel afterward. This helps you find your ideal serving size and avoid unnecessary side effects.
4. Choose Clean, Lab-Tested Products
Always buy CBD that comes with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA). Clean, hemp-derived products reduce the risk of contaminants that may trigger discomfort.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Additives
If you’re sensitive to melatonin, herbal extracts, or pungent terpenes, stick to simple formulas. Pure CBD products sometimes work better for sensitive users.
6. Stick to One Product Type at First
Switching between oils, gummies, and capsules too quickly can make your reactions unpredictable. Use one format consistently until you know how your body responds.
7. Space CBD Away From Alcohol and Medication
Taking CBD and alcohol together can intensify dizziness or sleepiness. If you’re on medication, allow space between doses or talk to your doctor for safe timing.
8. Find the Right Spectrum for Your Body
Some people react better to isolate or broad-spectrum products if full-spectrum feels too strong. Others think the opposite. The goal is to find what suits you.
9. Check the Potency Before Buying
High-potency CBD can feel overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Start with lower strengths and move up only if needed.
How to Prevent CBD Side Effects in the Future?
Most CBD side effects are avoidable. Once you understand how your body reacts and choose the right product and dose, CBD becomes smooth and predictable. Here’s how to keep side effects from happening again.
1. Start Low and Increase Slowly
Begin with a small dose—especially if you’re new to CBD. Increase only when needed. Your body adapts better when you give it time.
2. Take CBD After Food
A light meal or snack helps your body absorb CBD more evenly. This reduces nausea, dizziness, and sudden drops in energy.
3. Track Your Dosage
Note how much you take, when you take it, and how you feel afterward. This helps you find your ideal serving size and avoid unnecessary side effects.
4. Choose Clean, Lab-Tested Products
Always buy CBD that comes with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA). Clean, hemp-derived products reduce the risk of contaminants that may trigger discomfort.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Additives
If you’re sensitive to melatonin, herbal extracts, or pungent terpenes, stick to simple formulas. Pure CBD products sometimes work better for sensitive users.
6. Stick to One Product Type at First
Switching between oils, gummies, and capsules too quickly can make your reactions unpredictable. Use one format consistently until you know how your body responds.
7. Space CBD Away From Alcohol and Medication
Taking CBD and alcohol together can intensify dizziness or sleepiness. If you’re on medication, allow space between doses or talk to your doctor for safe timing.
8. Find the Right Spectrum for Your Body
Some people react better to isolate or broad-spectrum products if full-spectrum feels too strong. Others think the opposite. The goal is to find what suits you.
9. Check the Potency Before Buying
High-potency CBD can feel overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Start with lower strengths and move up only if needed.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it, CBD has the ability to change your life for the better, and there is no other natural compound that can provide benefits on par with CBD.
While CBD is new, it still needs to be studied properly, but many studies have leaned towards its strong safety profile.
Nonetheless, you can still experience the CBD side effects but it’s not always CBD that is at fault, so before disliking CBD altogether, use the above-mentioned reasons to figure out the root cause of side effects and act accordingly.
CBD takes time to build up in your body, so you might not find the CBD’s effects immediately, just have patience and let your body adjust to it.
Disclosure:
The information in this article is intended for general use only and may not always be appropriate for everyone’s needs. Your health and wellness are unique to you, so before acting on anything we say, seek personalized advice from a medical professional.
We value the accuracy and editorial integrity of all our articles, and we strive to ensure that the content we publish is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge.