With any new drug or supplement, it is always important to exercise caution. Doing your research and talking with your doctor before adding anything new to your daily routine is always a good idea, especially if you’re currently taking prescription medications. CBD is no exception in this regard. One common safety concern that many people have is the possibility of side effects caused by CBD. In this article we will discuss possible side effects of CBD, other safety concerns to take into consideration, and the possible benefits of CBD.
Is CBD safe?
In 2018, it became legal to grow hemp commercially in the United States, this is why it may seem like the CBD market has blown up in recent years. With CBD being such a new product, there is still a lot of research to be done. There are many ongoing clinical trials, and plenty of promising anecdotal evidence has been noted.
The only FDA approved CBD product is the anti-seizure prescription drug, Epidiolex™. Because this medication has gone through the FDA approval process, and the medication is based on CBD, it has gone through the most extensive clinical trials and research. Through the research of this drug, some side effects were noted including: gastrointestinal problems, sleepiness, altered liver enzymes, and decreased appetite. But it’s important to remember that this specific medication is a concentrated prescription medication for the treatment of extremely serious diseases, and it is a very different formulation than you see in the myriad CBD supplements being marketed today. The dosing of Epidiolex™ is much higher than the amount you would typically see for CBD supplementation.
Another organization that has extensively evaluated the safety of CBD products is the World Health Organization or WHO. WHO found that the effects of CBD are promising for optimal health and stated that it doesn’t seem to present high risk factors, such as potential for abuse or withdrawals.
Possible side effects of CBD
Although generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that have been noted when using CBD. In general, these side effects (which do not occur in everyone) are rare and often mild when they do occur. Some potential side effects of CBD could include: gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. It is always recommended to start with a very low dose of CBD when taking it for the first time. Increase your dosage very slowly until you achieve the desired benefits. By starting slowly with CBD, you can see how your body reacts, in case you are someone who experiences side effects.
Gastrointestinal Impact
CBD oil has the infrequent potential to cause some mild gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea or stomach discomfort. Many CBD users report these side effects as mild and temporary Others have found that CBD has helped them with gastrointestinal complaints.
Ultimately, consulting with your doctor before using CBD is always a good idea, especially if you are currently treating a health condition and are taking prescription medications.
Drowsiness
Given the fact that many people use CBD to help them support normal sleep cycles, a little occasional drowsiness is not a surprising side effect. CBD and its complimentary cannabinoids have the potential to deliver calmative effects that can help users achieve a more restful sleep. If you are trying CBD for the first time and you plan to take it in the evening to help with sleep, we recommend trying it out when you don’t have serious work obligations the following day. That way, you can see how your body reacts and be sure that it doesn’t make you feel too drowsy. If you experience increased drowsiness after taking CBD, you may need to try lowering the dose.
Dry Mouth
Many people who use cannabis report the side effect of dry mouth and eyes. This side effect is more common when using inhalation THC products but has been seen by a few CBD users as well.
Other side effects
Some other side effects that consumers have reported include: mild nausea, small changes in mood and appetite, and dizziness (if they are taking too much). Because so many different forms of CBD are available, every person will react to it differently and the amount your body absorbs can vary as well.
Additional safety concerns
If you are currently taking any prescription medications, then you should always consult with your doctor before taking CBD to ensure that it won’t interact with anything you are taking. Since CBD can have an effect on the enzymes in your body that metabolize some types of medications, it may cause increased or decreased concentrations of medications in the body.
CBD oil should definitely be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Research is still ongoing and little is known about the effects of CBD during pregnancy and nursing, so it is recommended that women avoid it during this time.
Always be sure to purchase CBD from a trustworthy source. This may be the single most important piece of advice you can learn. Although CBD itself is perfectly safe, it is possible for CBD products to acquire harmful chemicals during the production process if the manufacturing or formulation process isn’t done in a fully GMP facility, and we see this often with “white-labeled” products. It is also possible for CBD companies, more interested in profit than in health, to dilute their CBD products with additives, making them less potent and potentially dangerous. Research where your CBD is coming from and only buy from companies that offer safety certifications and independent lab analyses.
Possible benefits of CBD
Many consumers, and even many medical professionals are rejoicing over CBD and the positive effects it has on the body. This holistic and natural supplement has helped literally millions of consumers find support for:
- Promoting restful sleep and maintaining normal healthy sleep cycles
- Minimizing stress and promoting relaxation and a daily state of calmness
- Focus and mental clarity
- Supporting healthy joints
CBD works with other cannabinoids inside of the body to help maintain homeostasis and I would link this to the article containing the entourage effect.
Conclusion on CBD Side Effects
Always pay attention to the way your body reacts when you introduce a new supplement, even if it’s something natural like CBD. You really never know how your body will react and although rare and often mild, side effects are possible when using CBD. If you are currently taking prescription medications or suffer from any health conditions, you should always consult with your doctor before using CBD. Only buy CBD from reputable sources and do plenty of research beforehand.
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