10 Side Effects Of CBD

CBD Oil - The Benefits and Side Effects Uncovered

Should you be concerned about the side effects of CBD? Cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated to CBD, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds extracted from the cannabis plant (marijuana and hemp plants).

It is touted to be a ‘miracle cure all’ with many advertisements claiming that it is perfectly safe and legal for oral and topical use.

Some impressive clinical trials of CBD have pointed to the promise of cannabidiol to treat multiple disorders like anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and easing the side effects of cancer.

However, scientific information on the possible side effects of CBD is largely lacking. But, even though CBD is well-tolerated by the body, it can cause some unwanted effects.

Below we look at the common side effects that you should keep in mind when using CBD products.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the more than 80 active ingredients known as cannabinoids, produced naturally by the cannabis sativa plants.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, abbreviated as THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that produces the ‘high’ and euphoria that people feel after smoking or vaping weed.

Unlike its sibling THC, CBD is non-psychotropic. This means that it will not result in euphoria or intoxication.

This quality makes CBD a highly appealing option in dietary supplements and those looking for a natural alternative to prescription drugs.

CBD is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and more retailers are filling store shelves with different forms of CBD products, from edible gummies to skincare creams.

CBD users claim that it provides many health benefits like pain relief, offsetting depression, alleviating anxiety, and more.

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There Health Benefits Associated With CBD

Researchers are not sure exactly how CBD works.

But they do know that, unlike THC, CBD does not have a strong binding affinity with the receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS).

THC produces its powerful psychoactive effects by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.

On the other hand, CBD does not bind to cannabinoid receptors.

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Instead, it prevents the breakdown of our natural endocannabinoids, allowing them to have a more significant beneficial effect on the body.

Some experts believe that CBD binds to other receptors like opioid receptors, which help control pain and inflammation.

CBD can also help stabilize our mood by influencing the glycine receptors that control a chemical in our brain known as serotonin.

9 Health Benefits of CBD

Although CBD research is always ongoing, current results suggest that CBD helps with the following medical conditions:

1. Reduce Symptoms Of Psychiatric Disorders

It can reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders and mental health disorders like social anxiety.

CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.
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A preliminary study involving 57 men who were given oral CBD before a simulated public speaking test concluded that a 300-mg dose of CBD significantly reduced anxiety.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.

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3. CBD Treats Chronic Pain

Research shows that CBD may help treat chronic pain, nerve pain, back pain, and other types of pain by interacting with neurotransmitters and minimizing inflammation.

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4. Reduce Symptoms Of Psychiatric Disorders

It can reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders and mental health disorders like social anxiety.

A preliminary study involving 57 men who were given oral CBD before a simulated public speaking test concluded that a 300-mg dose of CBD significantly reduced anxiety.

5. Combats Cancer-related Symptoms

CBD may help with cancer-related symptoms and the common side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting.

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While research is limited, some scientific studies have found that combining CBD and THC can help prolong the life of some patients with the rapidly spreading form of cancer known as glioblastoma.

6. CBD Supports Neurological Disorders

Some studies of CBD show that it can provide potent benefits for those with neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Dravet Syndrome by acting on the ECS and brain signalling systems.

7. Supports The Heart And Circulation

Preliminary research links CBD with significant health benefits for the heart and the circulatory system, such as lowering high blood pressure.

8. CBD Promotes Sleep Quality

Although human studies are needed, evidence suggests that CBD may help improve sleep quality and alleviate certain sleep disorders like insomnia.

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9. Relieves Anxiety And Depression

A limited amount of evidence suggests that CBD can help relieve anxiety and depression.

This is also effective in people who have become dependent on drugs like tobacco, opioids, and cocaine.

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The Regulatory Status of CBD In The United States

CBD products are commonly purchased online, over the counter, and in specific dispensaries in the United States.

But despite the fact that the 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD at a federal level, the U.S drug enforcement administration (DEA) still considers it a schedule 1 substance.

CBD And The FDA

Although the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved epidiolex, a CBD-based seizure medication, it renounced CBD as a dietary supplement.

Currently, the FDA has not issued regulations on CBD products.

This means that dosages on CBD products may be inaccurate, and it’s hard to know how much CBD is appropriate when you first try a new CBD product.

A limited amount of evidence suggests that CBD can help relieve anxiety and depression. This is also effective in people who have become dependent on drugs like tobacco, opioids, and cocaine.
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As such, it’s important to ensure that your CBD products come from a reputable and transparent source and have been inspected by an independent laboratory.

A variety of products go through a product certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure that it is organically grown and free of pesticides, mold, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

10 Side Effects Of CBD

Generally, CBD is an unregulated substance in the United States, and research into the different ways in which it affects our bodies is still limited.

Users, especially those taking additional medications, are typically advised to use hemp extracts with caution as it can interact with drugs and increase the risk of adverse side effects.

According to some systematic reviews, CBD may have the following potential side effects:

1. Liver Injury And CBD

During an animal study that investigated the effects of various CBD doses on some 8-week-old mice, the researchers from the University of Arkansas found that the animal subjects tolerated low doses of CBD very well.

However, the mice given a higher dose (nearly 200mg CBD per kg of human body weight) had clear signs of liver toxicity.

Additionally, repeated doses of smaller amounts of CBD (about 50mg CBD per kg of body weight) were found to cause liver problems like swelling and damage.

Studies are still in their early stages and more information on CBD and liver disease is needed. Yet, this study provides critical information on the possible outcomes of a CBD overdose.

2. CBD Can Interact With Other Medications

CBD use can potentially alter the effects of other prescription medications.

Experts suggest that because medicines are broken down by liver enzymes, CBD has the potential to complete for or interfere with liver enzymes.

This can result in an excess or insufficiency of the drug in the body.

An altered concentration of medicines in the body may lead to it not working or cause unpleasant and sometimes severe side effects.

Some potentially severe drug interactions with CBD include:

Blood thinners like warfarin
Some antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone
Thyroid medications such as levothyroxine
Some seizure medications like valproate, clobazam, and lamotrigine

3. CBD Can Increase Risk Of Drowsiness

This side effect of CBD oil comes as no surprise. Preliminary research shows that CBD can act as a sedative and a treatment for sleep disorders.

Cortisol is our body’s main stress hormone.

It typically increases in the morning and reduces at night- dropping to its lowest point at around midnight.

However, people with insomnia often tend to have high cortisol levels at night.

According to a study, 300 and 600 mg of CBD oil decreased cortisol levels significantly.

These findings suggest that by impacting the production of cortisol, high doses of CBD can act as a sedative.

Medical experts note that the sedative and drowsiness effects of CBD oil may be too strong when it is consumed with other sedating medications.

4. Changes In Appetite

Scientific studies have shown mixed results on the effects of CBD oil on appetite. During one study, 117 parents of children taking CBD to manage the symptoms of epilepsy were interviewed.

The parents reported that CBD had a significant reduction in epilepsy symptoms. However, nearly 30% of them noted that the CBD increased their children’s appetite.

In a three-month study, 23 children with dravet syndrome were given 11.4mg CBD per pound of body weight.

Ironically, some children experienced increased appetite, while it decreased in others.

5. CBD May Cause Diarrhea

Although it is not a particularly common CBD side effect, some users have reported stomach upset soon after taking CBD oil.

In addition to stomach upset, some people may also experience diarrhea.

According to some experts, the use of CBD does not cause diarrhea.

Instead, it can help with stomach issues by reducing excessive gastric acid and increasing blood flow to the stomach lining.

However, the additional ingredients such as carrier oil in CBD oil can cause gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea.

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6. Changes In Weight

CBD is sometimes marketed for weight loss. But it is still unclear how CBD oil affects weight.

According to some studies, CBD can boost your metabolism, reducing body fat and appetite.

Comparably, other studies have shown an increase in appetite, promoting weight gain.

7. CBD Can Cause Dry Mouth

Although this side effect commonly occurs with THC, CBD can potentially cause dry mouth.

Some people report that CBD makes their mouth and eyes feel dry.

Also known as ‘cottonmouth,’ researchers believe that it occurs due to CBDs’ interaction with the cannabinoid receptors located in the salivary glands of our mouths.

8. Nausea

Nausea is a pretty common CBD oil side effect, especially in people who ingest CBD oil and CBD supplements.

This side effect depends on how sensitive a user is to CBD. It can also occur when your body does not digest CBD oil properly, which is pretty common with oils.

In addition, CBD is an unregulated product.

The lack of standards for dosage and safe CBD measurements means that people are likely to consume more than the amount their bodies can handle, forcing it to flush some CBD out.

9. CBD Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

Although benign, CBD is a medication that can have powerful effects on your body. Evidence shows that CBD can act as a blood thinner and cause low blood pressure.

Hence, people who have problems with their blood pressure should consult their healthcare providers first before using CBD.

10. CBD’s Interaction With Parkinson's Disease

Some studies have shown that CBD oil can aggravate the symptoms of Parkison’s disease.

Although research is still ongoing, it’s a good idea for patients to see their doctors before using CBD products

Can You Use CBD Oil If You’re Pregnant?

The FDA strongly urges breastfeeding and pregnant women not to use any form of cannabis, including THC and CBD oil.

In fact, the FDA further states, “Do not put yourself or your baby at risk by using cannabis products while pregnant or breastfeeding.”

Although studies into the different effects of CBD are still ongoing, researchers know that it can pass through the placenta and cause potential risks to the developing fetus.

Side Effects Of CBD - The Bottom Line

CBD is generally considered safe for consumption with many potential therapeutic effects.

There are numerous studies investigating its potential role in easing the symptoms of many health conditions like pain, depression, and anxiety.

But even though CBD is well-tolerated by the body, it can leave you feeling unwell for a short while, and the mild side effects will pass in time.

It is worth noting that there are some known real safety concerns of CBD oil.

A good example of the dangerous side effects of CBD includes interacting with medication, lowering blood pressure, and causing liver injury.